ICC’s new Paris Hearing Centre for global arbitration community

The International Chamber of Commerce’s new state-of the art hearing facility in central Paris has opened to the global arbitration community.  The ICC Hearing Centre offers an entirely neutral space for virtual and hybrid arbitration and ADR hearings and meetings — for cases from any institution or ad hoc cases, and across time zones.

Building on ICC’s trusted reputation for service excellence and neutrality, the new premises extend ICC’s comprehensive dispute resolution and prevention services.

ICC secretary general John W.H. Denton said, “The new ICC Hearing Centre is a tangible milestone in line with our goal to enable access to justice. I’m extremely proud of the ICC’s longstanding connection with Paris, where our global headquarters have been located for over a century. It is terrific to be building on these foundations, delivering solutions in line with the evolving needs of business and legal communities globally”.

Accessible to the global disputes community and Paris-based practitioners alike, the new ICC Hearing Centre comprises two purpose built hearing suites and an additional meeting room with capacity to accommodate another hearing or meeting.

The Hearing Centre is located in Paris’ 17th arrondissement, on the upper ground floor of a new five-storey complex, built to the highest security and safety standards. The Hearing Centre has also been designed to facilitate access for guests with reduced mobility, in line with the ICC‘s commitment to disability inclusion in international arbitration and ADR. A haven of calm just off a main boulevard, its premises combine original and contemporary materials creating a bright, calm and modern working environment. With direct access to a large, coworking space and a rooftop garden, rooms overlook landscaped patios and terrasses while the ground floor barista services offer a variety of healthy eating and drink options all day.

Secretary general of the ICC Court Alexander G. Fessas said, “We built the new ICC Hearing Centre as the ideal venue for all arbitration and ADR hearings, regardless of their institutional setting. It is as unique as the cases that will be heard here. It also restores much-needed capacity to the city of Paris through an accessible, custom-built facility providing hearing services, accommodation and respite. We cannot wait to welcome parties, counsel, arbitrators and experts back home”.

The ICC’s former Hearing Facility was voted best arbitration-specific facility on the market by Global Arbitration Review’s Guide to Regional Arbitration and welcomed hearings from the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and hearings under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules, among others.

The ICC Hearing Centre is taking bookings for any hearing or meeting needs, with special opening rates for its services.

Key features and benefits include:

– State-of-the-art audio and video features, including videoconferencing cameras, multiple screen displays and interpretation booths – Latest soundproofing and lighting technology

– Fixed and mobile furniture

– Breakout rooms equipped with wall mounted screens and click share

– An additional video conferencing room

– Two-seat phone booth

– Badge access system to rooms

– Extended, weekend and holiday opening hours on request

– Secure and confidential document destruction services

– Preferential rates for local and international courier services

– Printing/copying equipment and services

– Special rates and fitness passes available for the hotel, gym and pool on the property

– Onsite secure bike garage