Hôtel de ville, ancien château Mercier et habitation du directeur de la compagnie des mines de Béthune

English translation

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History

Under the direction of engineer Mercier, the Compagnie des Mines d'Anzin developed considerably. All the surface installations were developed, workers' houses and collective facilities. During the First World War, the installations underwent systematic bombardment which also affected Mercier's residence. Reconstruction was undertaken as soon as the conflict ended. An existing building was enlarged. In 1901, engineer Pirckher proposed several projects. One wing of the original building was retained while a large main dwelling was built. A second wing identical to the first closes the composition in a U-shape. Farm buildings accompanied the building. A large park with basins was created to complement the residence. In the 1920s, major works allowed the park to be enlarged and refurbishment and extensions to be carried out on the residence. The pavilions facing the garden were transformed. The large winter garden placed against the south-east façade was replaced by the large lateral annexe serving for receptions, with a chapel and its campanile now disappeared. The farm buildings were modified or rebuilt at that time, as was the covered gallery between the pavilions on the side of the main entrance, which closes off this space. Mercier lived there until his death in 1927. After nationalisation, the building was converted into a maternity unit from 1946 to 1970. Having remained abandoned until 1985, the building was bought back by the municipality to make it the new town hall.