“Arbitration explosion” is perhaps not the most calming phrase. But it’s what some people call the reason for Maxwell Chambers’s existence. I am excited to share some interesting facts about this place.
Maxwell Chambers is an integrated alternative dispute resolution complex. It is located right here in Singapore. Think of it as a hub for resolving disagreements. It provides hearing rooms and facilities. These support ADR hearings. Several ADR institutions, arbitrators, and international arbitration practitioners also have regional offices here.
The Singapore Government provided seed money to establish Maxwell Chambers. The intention is to transfer ownership to the private sector in due course. In 2017, the Ministry of Law announced plans to triple the size of Maxwell Chambers. This expansion included Maxwell Chambers Suites. The goal was to boost Singapore’s position as an international dispute resolution hub. The facility officially opened on August 8, 2019. The current CEO of Maxwell Chambers is Ban Jiun Ean.
The origins of Maxwell Chambers trace back to 2002. The Legal Services Working Group stressed the need for good infrastructure and facilities. This would make Singapore a regional alternative dispute resolution service center.
In 2005, the Ministry of Law started planning an integrated dispute resolution complex. Architects visited arbitration hearing centers worldwide. They gathered design ideas and added a Singapore touch.
Singapore’s former Custom House was chosen as the site in January 2007. Refurbishment was completed in July 2009. Maxwell Chambers officially launched on January 21, 2010.
Global Arbitration Review nominated the establishment of Maxwell Chambers as one of the Best Developments in the arbitration industry in 2010. A 2013 survey found that leading international arbitration lawyers were most likely to recommend Maxwell Chambers to a friend. Survey respondents called Maxwell Chambers perfect and the gold standard. In 2016, Maxwell Chambers ranked second for key factors. These included location, IT services, and helpfulness of staff.
Maxwell Chambers occupies the former Customs House. It is located in Tanjong Pagar in Singapore’s central business district. The building was built in 1932 during the British colonial era. It served as the headquarters of the Department of Customs and Excise for over 60 years. After refurbishment, it was renamed Maxwell Chambers.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority gave the building conservation status in 2007. In 2010, the National Heritage Board designated it the 88th historic site in Singapore. The building received the International Architecture Award for Best New Global Design in 2010. In 2012, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority awarded it an Architectural Heritage Award.
The Ministry of Law announced in 2017 that Maxwell Chambers would triple in capacity. It took over the neighboring building at 28 Maxwell Road. This building was formerly known as the Red Dot Traffic Building. This expansion supported the growth of dispute resolution institutions. Demand drove further expansion. A second annexe block added 3,500 sq ft of space.
Restoration was completed in mid-2019. Maxwell Chambers Suites officially opened on August 8, 2019. It houses at least 11 international institutions. It also houses 20 disputes chambers and practices from 11 countries. The Law Society of Singapore has been based at Maxwell Chambers Suites since October 2019.
Maxwell Chambers offers 39 custom-designed hearing and preparation rooms. It features a business center and a lounge for arbitrators. Audio-visual and video conferencing facilities are available. Simultaneous translation and transcription are also offered.
Maxwell Chambers houses the regional offices of several ADR institutions. These include the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Mediation Centre.
Maxwell Chambers also organizes signature events. These include the Singapore International Arbitration Forum and the Maxwell ADR Forum.
So the next time you hear the term “arbitration explosion,” remember Maxwell Chambers. This is a place where disputes find resolution. It stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to being a global leader in dispute resolution.