York’s Chocolate Story, located in the centre of York at the foot of the Shambles, is an entertaining and informative guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations from Rowntree's, Terry's to the fiercely independent Mary Craven. The chocolate dynasty continues to this day with Nestlé.

 

Discover the origins of chocolate, from the Aztecs “Food of the Gods” to the moment the first cocoa beans oozed into York, marking the moment that the chocolate phenomenon began. Unwrap the secrets of chocolate-making and learn the art of the chocolatier. Shop in the chocolate boutique or take an indulgent break in the chocolate café.

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Project objectives 

• Create a new visitor attraction for the group portfolio

• Define the new venture opportunity

• Find a suitable location

• Develop all ancillary services and facilities, including retail and café

• Open within one year of conception

• Brand development

• Develop the marketing campaign

• Generate a complementary product range, food and beverage offer

• Publish a guidebook and online educational pack

 

Our role

• Project direction from inception to completion

• Project definition

• Budget generation and cost control

• Master planning

• Design brief

• Design management

• Procurement of consultants and contractors

• Project and risk management

• Construction management

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Due to the tight deadline and budget constraints,  a design & construction management approach was opted for by Hatto + Partners. This route allowed complete and seamless control over the design and build process on behalf of the client. Working efficiently and effectively between the client, consultants and contractors, we were able to realise the vision as we guided the talented teams and trades through to completion.

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The site transformed from a vacant, three-storey building through to the grand unwrapping of this sumptuous new addition to the City of York, on time and within budget. Collaborative working at its best.