Newtown Community Centre

The Newtown Community Centre is a historically significant building, located in the heart of Newtown, a coastal suburb just south of Roseau. Constructed in 1784, the structure initially served as a colonial military facility and later became the original home of the Roseau Boys’ School, one of the island’s earliest formal educational institutions. The building sits prominently on Victoria Street, directly adjacent to the Newtown Playing Field, offering an unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea and enjoying steady sea breezes year-round.

Geographic Setting and Accessibility of the Newtown Community Centre

Strategically positioned below the residential hillside community of Kings Hill, the Newtown Community Centre occupies a prime and easily accessible urban location. It is less than a two-minute walk from both DBS Radio and the Parliament Building, making it one of the most centrally placed heritage buildings in the southern corridor of the capital.

Historical and Cultural Importance

In 1837, the building temporarily housed 437 freed Africans who had been rescued from a slave ship docked in Roseau Harbour. This humanitarian use is one of the earliest documented examples of Dominica’s role in post-abolition support for liberated African populations. The building later became the home of the Roseau Boys’ School before that institution relocated to Bath Road. Its walls have witnessed transitions from colonial administration to civic education, to community service and empowerment.

Modern Use and Preservation

Today, the Newtown Community Centre houses the Harlem Sports and Community Club, a key institution in the development of youth football and cultural events in Dominica. It serves as a meeting space, training facility, and event venue for the Newtown community and broader national initiatives. In 2020, after speculation about its possible demolition, Parliamentary Representative Chekira Lockhart Hypolite confirmed that the building would be preserved and rehabilitated due to its architectural heritage and longstanding community role. It is widely regarded as a UNESCO-associated heritage site.