BEYOND THE TARTAN DOOR
New purpose for former community centre.
Thanks to a local dance instructor and entrepreneur, a former community centre on Coxheath Road has received a new lease on life, including what can only be described as the happiest door in Cape Breton.
The building, located across the road from the County Recreation Centre in Coxheath, is easily spotted by the sign, Forrester Centre, which features the family tartan. But Shannon Forrester decided to go one step further with the main door to the black-sided building clad in the same cheerful red, blue and green design.
“We’re getting some attention with the building and the tartan door — people are very curious to see the inside, especially if they’ve been involved here in any way, shape or form,” said Forrester and that’s all right by her.
If anything, she wants the community to become ever more interested in her project.
“People are peeking in the windows because there’s new life here,” she said, adding her dance classes began this week in the building. “I want to hear from folks who have stories that are tied to this building because there’s lots of stories that have taken place here. The Kinsmen themselves have so many stories that they have shared with me. I think the biggest aspect for me is tying it all together.”
The building dates back to the 1930s and has been mostly associated with local Kinsmen.
They sold the building to Forrester who plans to use it as a dance school, arts centre and performance venue for smaller, intimate events, that don’t want to be swallowed up in an over-sized space.
A large parking lot is located in the rear of the building and renovations are still taking place in the basement area.
On the main floor, which can be accessed through the tartan It’s a door knocker in the shape of a kilted bagpiper. Shannon Forrester received the item this week as a welcoming gift for her new business endeavour, The Forrester Centre. door on the front, there’s a box office and coat area leading into a large hall that features a main stage, several elaborate chandeliers and walls covered in stone and traditional lanterns.
“It has an atmosphere that blends really well with the culture of Cape Breton, even to the point of sea shells from the east coast in the chandelier … I just wanted to incorporate different elements for the cultural aspects of the island,” said Forrester. “It has a Scottish castle appearance, with the lanterns, Celtic knots, Forrester plaid.”
People from the nearby community are dropping by for a look and so far, the response from the public has been memorable, from tears from those who had past affiliations with the building to some even bearing special gifts, including a brass door knocker in the form of a Scottish bagpiper from a man who
“People are peeking in the windows because there’s new life here. I want to hear from folks who have stories that are tied to this building because there’s lots of stories that have taken place here.”
Shannon Forrester
was a former cub leader in the building.
It’s all been quite overwhelming, she says.
“I just gave him a hug,” said Forrester as she displays the gift. “I didn’t know what to say. I plan on putting this just outside the ticket office instead of a bell — I have to use this.”
An official opening will take place the evening of Thursday, Oct. 5 for the main floor venue and another opening will take in the new year for the entire building.
A portion of money raised from events taking place in the building will be donated to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
“I want to invite people to come and take a look and not be afraid to knock on the door,” said Forrester. “We’re going to have a ceilidh, we’re going to have dancing, some treats and just let them know, we’ll talk about the vision behind the centre, when we will get the second aspect up and running and let them know what they can expect.
“It’s been a whirlwind.”