After nearly 7 years at CityGate in Anderlecht, BYRRRH & SKATE is moving and rebuilding a skatepark in a new location. We met with Youssef to learn more about the progress of the move and his vision for this new BYRRRH.
| Hi Youssef! First of all, could you introduce yourself to those who might not know you? Who are you, where are you from and why skateboarding?
My name is Youssef Abaoud and I grew up in Borinage (Dour). That's where I started to skate with some friends. Together, we skated in the streets and parking lots, but we didn't have any ramps or modules. That's where the desire to build came from.
Today, I still skate a bit to get around, but that's about it. What motivates me now is to pass on what I know while staying involved in skateboarding.
| How did BYRRRH come about? Why this idea?
The idea started after the closure of Brussels' only indoor skate park in 2005.
After being kicked out of train stations' halls repeatedly, we invested in an old abandoned building where we started pouring concrete to skate. It didn't last very long because the building was demolished quite quickly.
I then worked as an educator in professional reintegration in a building called BYRRH in Laeken. We later had to move, but a former colleague took over the building with permission from the city of Brussels. I talked to him about the idea of creating our first skatepark there with some friends: the BYRRRH (hence the name), which lasted for 1 year.
(Image: https://canal.brussels/en/content/former-byrrh-building-becomes-be-here )
For the little story, in that building, there was Nicolas Joschko who was developing a passion for sailing and who built a 10-meter-long boat there called the Zinneke.
(Image: https://zinneke.brussels/fr/node/11)
Nicolas worked for CityDev and proposed that our whole association move to Woluwe-St-Pierre, to the former RTL studios. We rebuilt a skatepark there, but had to close due to lack of permission (and because there were too many parties).
After a standby period of a year and a half, Nicolas informed us about a call for projects for a new building (above CityGate in Anderlecht). We presented our project and we were selected. We stayed there for 7 years. It was a very positive experience that allowed us to grow.
Today, we're still looking for a place to establish a skatepark for the long term, because it's still not the case with this new location (5-10 years).
| Behind BYRRRH, how many people are there?
There's a core team of 4 people. Then there are 5-6 instructors, and there are always people who come to help in their free time (students, workers).
As an anecdote, I'm the first employee of the non-profit after 10 years of volunteering!
| Do you feel that BYRRRH has had an influence on skateboarding in Brussels?
Yes, especially among younger and beginner skaters. Also, outside of Brussels, as it's important to have a skate space for the winter.
| How is the construction of this new skatepark going?
The dismantling, material recovery, and relocation took place from late July 2023 to late September 2023. We quickly set up a small skatepark to be able to organize classes and occasional sessions because rent and expenses are ongoing.
Currently, we're seeking subsidies to rebuild, but with the market prices of materials, it requires a lot more money. Before, we started from scratch, and now we're looking for €100,000 haha.
| What is your vision for this new BYRRRH?
The idea is to create 2 skateparks in 1. One transition area and one street area to satisfy everyone. We also have the idea of organizing a Street Art Festival. There are indeed many walls to paint, and I have quite a few artist friends.
We also want to have a nice cafeteria, but it will take time because we want to first fully develop skateboarding.
| Do you have any idea of a potential official opening date?
It's complicated, there's really a lot of work. We're operating with subsidies and some help. All the concrete work will be done by Concrete Dreams a company owned by a friend specialized in creating skateparks.
| Are you happy with this project?
Yes, of course! Even though it's tiring.
| How can we support BYRRRH?
By making spontaneous donations, buying our merch (T-shirts, Skateboards), volunteering, or just coming to skate!
| A word about the Paris 2024 Olympics?
No comment haha! It's good if politicians want to help the skate community through this, but the Olympics represent only one style of skateboarding, not all styles.
End
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Massive thanks to Youssef for the interview.
BYRRRH&SKATE is moving