As demand for alternative dispute resolution in Northern Ireland continues to rise, the new facility allows services to be offered in an accessible and private space in The Boat, an iconic Belfast building.

The Resolution Centre will offer bespoke facilities and services for clients to resolve disputes outside of the traditional court setting. Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated centre for alternative dispute resolution, it will create a venue within the local Belfast market for skilled mediators and arbitrators to use their specific set of core skills to assist parties in arriving at alternative resolution options.

Traditionally a wide range of commercial, civil and family disputes end up being taken to court for resolution. Whilst this remains a highly effective and appropriate route in many circumstances, the number of local disputes settled outside of litigation has been on the rise as parties seek, and are often encouraged, to explore other alternatives.

The Resolution Centre aims to support this trend by offering a venue and a service which will help when the conditions lend themselves towards pursuing resolution by another means. In addition to handling commercial disputes, The Resolution Centre is therefore available for handling private cases including divorce and family law.

Opening the facility, David Mulholland, chief executive of The Bar of Northern Ireland, said: “A properly constituted legally-led resolution process can provide a range of advantages.

“In certain situations it may be the most appropriate option as it may offer a more timely and cost effective solution with the added advantages of preserving the privacy and relationships of those involved. It is therefore no surprise that this alternative solution is being promoted by Northern Ireland’s leading barristers, and local solicitors.”

The Resolution Centre is open to be used by barristers, solicitors and other practitioners engaged in providing mediation and arbitration services. It is well positioned within Belfast’s City Centre and is in walking distance of the courts and the Bar while also offering easy access via public transportation links.

Offering facilities including private room hire with access control and acoustically sealed rooms as well as a full AV suite including Wi-Fi, telephone and video conferencing, confidential paper disposal and wireless photocopying, printing and scanning and catering options. In addition to alternative dispute resolution, facilities within The Resolution Centre can also be used for meetings, training or seminars.