Maxwell Chambers

Maxwell Chambers is an integrated alternative dispute resolution complex located in Singapore.

Maxwell Chambers provides hearing rooms and facilities for the conduct of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) hearings in Singapore. It also hosts the regional offices of a number of ADR institutions, arbitrators, and international arbitration practitioners.

Maxwell Chambers was established with seed money from the Singapore Government. The intention is for ownership to transfer to the private sector in due course.

In anticipation of the growth in arbitration work in Singapore, Maxwell Chambers is considering future expansion into a satellite office close to the current flagship facility.

The origins of Maxwell Chambers can be traced as far back as 2002 when the Legal Services Working Group of the Economic Review Committee chaired by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the need for “good infrastructure and facilities” to make Singapore a regional alternative dispute resolution service centre.

In 2005, the Ministry of Law started planning for the development of an integrated dispute resolution complex. The architects visited arbitration hearing centres around the world to get design ideas, and then added “a Singapore touch”.

In January 2007, Singapore's former Custom House was chosen as the site and design work commenced. Upon the completion of refurbishment works in July 2009, the building opened for hearings.

Maxwell Chambers was officially launched in January 2010.

The establishment of Maxwell Chambers was nominated by Global Arbitration Review as one of the “Best Developments” in the arbitration industry in 2010.

Global Arbitration Review’s first survey on hearing centres in 2013 found that Maxwell Chambers was one of the top three hearing centres that leading international arbitration lawyers were most likely to "recommend to a friend". Survey respondents remarked that Maxwell Chambers was “perfect”, “the standout facility” and “currently the gold standard”.

Maxwell Chambers occupies the former Custom House located in Tanjong Pagar in Singapore’s central business district. Built in the 1930s during the British colonial era, the building was the headquarters of the Department of Customs and Excise for over 60 years.

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