About
The association
Gruyère-Chocolat
The Association Gruyère-Chocolat is the platform that brings together all project’s stakeholders. Its members are Jogne Invest, the Association régionale La Gruyère, the Union fribourgeoise du tourisme, the Fédération patronale et économique, and Nestlé Switzerland. It coordinates and provides information on the studies required to draw up the detailed development plan (plan d’aménagement de détail or PAD) for the park.
An agreement signed by
the end of 2022
The park project was made possible by the signing of an agreement between Nestlé Switzerland and Jogne Invest at the end of 2022. Nestlé Switzerland has agreed to transfer to Jogne Invest the land and edifices required to build the park in and around its Broc chocolate factory.
Jogne Invest is a company created for the park project. It is run by people who are passionate about CAILLER chocolate and the Broc factory, mainly from Fribourg. It finances the work required to develop the PAD and the scenography. After obtaining the building permits, Jogne Invest will invest in the creation of the park, in terms of both architecture and content. From the time of opening, the company will be responsible for its operational management. Nearly CHF 100 million will be invested in the first phase of the project. The total planned investment is CHF 200 million.
Procedures and deadlines
The chocolate park project was initiated in early 2018. Several feasibility studies were initially carried out. On 24th August 2023, the draft of the detailed development plan (PAD) was submitted to the State of Fribourg for preliminary examination. The PAD sets out the specific land-use regulations for the park area. It is accompanied by studies on mobility and environmental impact. A landscape concept is also being developed.
The State of Fribourg has classified this project as a strategic issue, as it is of great interest to the development of the tourist industry. The municipality of Broc will open the PAD to public enquiry in 2025. The construction work will start in 2026. Pre-opening of the first phase is scheduled between late 2027 and mid-2028.
Timeline
Feasability
Agreement Nestlé/Jogne Invest
PAD (preliminary examination)
Pad and construction permits
Start of construction
Pre-opening
2027