_1.jpg "Tourisme, nord, france roubaix, france")
Built by the architect Victor Laloux, creator of the Gare d’Orsay in Paris, the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) reflects the town’s industrial strength at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1914, the town decided to create a sports centre for the population. In 1923 the project was awarded to the architect J Gréber, the author of the plan for the conversion, embellishment and extension of the town.
Covering 6150 m2 and boasting a facade of more than 100 m in length, the building is impressive for its size and eclectic styling.
Its statuary and the profusion of decorative features are focused upon the textile industry and the values of the work ethic. The frieze under the door head painstakingly traces the many aspects of the wool trade, from the shearing of the sheep through to exporting.
The monumental grandeur of the building is also evident inside, with its impressive grand staircase, the wedding room or the Pierre de Roubaix room.
_1.jpg "Tourisme, nord, france roubaix, france")
The sporting vocation of the facilities was also combined with social and hygiene related objectives promoted by Léandre Dupré and Jean Lebas. Consequently the sports park was also home to a holiday camp and an open-air school for sick children
It was only in 1935 that the park was converted into the Vélodrome (cycle track). In 1942, for the first time it was the venue for the arrival of the Paris-Roubaix, the famous race created by two industrialists from Roubaix.
In 1996, to celebrate the 1...
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