P&K Insights: The Rise of Arbitration Hubs for Construction Disputes: England, Singapore and Beyond

Arbitration has historically been promoted as being a time – and cost-effective method of dispute resolution. However, there have been complaints by users that arbitration costs have ballooned and proceedings have stretched longer and longer. In this attack on the value of arbitration, construction disputes have perhaps been one of the main casualties.

Due to the technical and fact-heavy nature of projects, construction disputes usually require multiple rounds of lengthy submissions accompanied by similarly lengthy witness statements and technical, delay and/or quantum expert reports. Construction disputes are further complicated by the fact that projects often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors.

Therefore, it is no surprise that arbitration users and practitioners around the world continue to explore ways to achieve greater procedural efficiency to keep costs down.

This post, written by Celia Guinet and James Morrison, explores some recent procedural innovations and revisions to arbitration laws in various arbitration hubs and their potential impact on construction arbitration.