**Rendering of Rolex’s planned new manufacture. (Credit: Rolex)**

Another hurdle for Rolex’s planned new manufacture in Bulle has been removed, as the window for residents to voice their oppositions recently closed.

The City of Bulle said the residents had a month to review Rolex’s plans, and it gave itself 10 more days after the deadline of July 8 to review the public comments and release the results.

Out of 27,000 residents, only one opposition was submitted by an individual, according to the city. But that individual does not live in Bulle. “As the opponent withdrew his opposition, the Municipal Council did not have to consider it,” the city said.

Bulle is planning to build at least two new elementary schools, add one junior high school and is mulling revamping its recreation center. Banks, retailers, hotels, restaurants, construction and equipment companies — all are expecting a boom in business thanks to Rolex’s arrival.

To secure the financing for new schools, the Bulle Municipal Council plans to submit a bond request in December 2024, according to Council member David Seydoux. This will be the second bond request in three years, as the Bulle General Council already approved a bond of 1.6 million Swiss francs in 2021.

“We would like this growth to be slower, but we cannot control the pace,” Seydoux said. “Bulle is a bit of a victim of its success!”