WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED 
WT/BFA/W/239 
10 June 2011 
 (11-2882) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration  
  
 
COMMON FACILITIES PROJECTS 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. The Swiss Government has engaged the amount  of 130 million Swiss francs to finance the 
building renovation and the construction projects of the WTO (Building Project). It may be useful to 
recall the overall funding situation. 
Breakdown of the Financing by the Swiss Government    (million Swiss Francs)  
Projects  Grant from the 
Swiss 
Authorities  Loan 
Financing  Total 
Renovation of the CWR Building 45  45 
Intra-muros (CWR extension)  20 20 
Extra-muros (new building annex) 10 
(Car Park) 40 
(Building) 50 
Rental of temporary offices during 
renovation 15  15 
Total 70 60 130 
 
 
2. The CHF 70 million grant provides for: a) the renovation of the existing Centre William 
Rappard (CWR) building for CHF 45 million, b) the c onstruction of an undergr ound car park next to 
the CWR for CHF 10 million, and c) the rental of temporary offices to host part of the WTO Secretariat during the Building Project for CHF 15 million.  
3. The CHF 60 million 50 year interest-free lo an provides for: a) the CWR building 
densification (Intra-muros project) for CHF 20 milli on, and b) the construction of a new building 
extension (Extra-muros project) for CHF 40 million. The Intra-muros project principally involves the 
construction of three conference rooms in the South Courtyard and a new atrium central lobby in the 
North Courtyard of the CWR.   The Extra-muros pr oject covers the construction of a new building to 
house 300 office spaces, a restaurant, the printing and data centres of the WTO. 
4. The Building Project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.  The Building Project 
will deliver a large number of new and renovate d facilities, referred as Common Facilities. These 
Common Facilities will be available to Members, trai nees, visitors and staff.  The WTO Secretariat 
will take delivery of these new facilities as they b ecome available over the next two years. The WTO 
will incur additional costs to install and equip these facilities with furniture and equipment in order to 
bring them into operation.   
5. The WTO Secretariat currently estimates that a total of some CHF 21.3 million will be 
required over the next two years to fully install and equip the Common Facilities provided by the WT/BFA/W/239 
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  Building Project.  This estimate includes the first major project, which is the furnishing and equipping 
of the South Courtyard Conference Centre. Funds for this have already been approved by the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBF A) and the contract is already in place. The 
overall CHF 21.3 million estimate includes all rema ining planned or anticipated common facilities 
with the exception of the future renovation of the large villa adjacent to SWR, which currently houses 
a Crèche. This villa will become available for use by  the WTO later this year, but we are still studying 
options for its optimal use.  
6. The details of each individual Common Facilities project are listed in the following section, 
along with an estimate of costs and delivery date s. It should be noted that without the CBFA 
identifying further funds, the amount currently cont ained in the Members' Transition Operating Fund 
will not be sufficient to secure the funding of all these projects over the next two years. In order to 
avoid scaling back or postponing these projects, which would severely constrain our ability to service the needs of Members over the coming years, the CBFA will need to consider how to close this 
funding gap.  The Director Genera l will shortly be making a proposal to the Members to close the gap 
without a resulting increase in the next biannual budget. 
7. The estimates contained below are not firm, a nd might evolve upwards or downwards as we 
obtain more technical details on the facilities and thei r future use, and as contracts for the works are 
finalized.  The WTO Secretariat will maximize the procurement of equipment and services for these projects through open and competitive bidding pro cesses.  The competitive bidding approach will 
ensure better value for money and conformity w ith the technical specifications and deadlines. 
II. DETAILS OF COMMON FACILITIES PROJECTS   
8. Details of the Common Facilities projects for th e entire WTO building complex, together with 
the preliminary cost estimates, are given below: 
 
Million Swiss Francs 
A. South Courtyard Conference Centre 4.4  
B. Common Area Furniture 1.0 
C. Archive Rooms 0.9 
D. Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation Furniture 0.4 
E. Renovation of Existing Conference Rooms 8.0 
F. Signage 0.2   
G. Data Centre                     0.5 
H. Catering Facilities                                                    2.5 
I. New Building Furniture and Furnishings  1.8 
J. Security Facilities  1.1 
K. Project Director and Architectural Fees 0.5 
 Total Estimates for Common Facilities Projects  21.3                       
 
 A. S
OUTH COURTYARD CONFERENCE CENTRE  
9. Members were originally informed that th e preliminary cost estimates for equipping and 
furnishing the South Courtyard Conference Centre amounted to CHF 4.5 million.    
10. Subsequent to that, a competitive bidding pr ocess occurred and the winning consortium was 
awarded a contract for CHF 3.8 million.  WT/BFA/W/239 
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  11. The CBFA then agreed that an amount of up to CHF 3 million from the Members' Transition 
Operating Fund could be used to finance the work s.  The balance was covered by 2010 budgetary 
savings.   
12. As a result of revised specifications, it has become clear that additional expenses are 
necessary. These are mainly for the completion of th e podiums, which must be fully mobile and easily 
adaptable to different room configurations , and for completing the necessary audio-video 
infrastructure, which includes the inter-connections  with other conference rooms and a centralized 
technical control room.  These additional installations  will cost approximately CHF 600,000.  The 
South Courtyard Conference Centre expenditure is  thus expected to reach CHF 4.4 million.  
13.  Construction of the new South Courtyard Confer ence Centre will be completed by late July, 
to be followed by the installation of the audio-visu al equipment, interpreta tion booths and the delivery 
of furniture for a modular layout with a 400-seat capacity. 
14. The modular conference rooms will be operati onal in October 2011.  Thereafter, the existing 
conference facilities in the North Wing of the CW R building will be renovate d and will be equipped 
with new technology in 2012. 
B. COMMON AREA FURNITURE  
15. The building project will provide Members with a large number of new common areas 
equipped with new furniture. The design, func tionality, quality, harmony, comfort, ergonomics, 
durability and maintenance will be key aspects whic h will be evaluated in collaboration with the 
architects contracted for the CWR renovation project. 
16. The North Courtyard Atrium, the Salle de Pas Pe rdus and the first and third floor lobbies will 
be equipped with sofas, armchairs, and low tables and other fixtures.  New conference chairs and 
tables will be purchased for the renovated meeting room s in area of the Salle de Pas Perdus and other 
areas. We will also be equipping the coffee shop and delegates dining room, which are located 
adjacent to the atrium, with tables, chairs and othe r furnishings. In this same area there will be two 
delegates work rooms, a press/visitor work area,  and a bookshop, and all of these rooms will be 
furnished with the necessary work stations and furn iture. Finally, we will have a new briefing room 
for press conferences or other types of briefings , which will be equipped with a podium, tables and 
chairs, lighting and a platform for cameras.  
17. In order to gain the best value fo r all of these items, we are following a block purchasing  
approach. This will enable us to obtain compe titive prices, to economize on freight and insurance 
costs and to save on costs of installation. A request  for proposals has alread y been issued on these 
items, and a final bidder will be selected once we ha ve completed the review of bids and obtained the 
CBFA's approval to use funds from the Transition Fund for these items. 
Cost estimates:  CHF 1,000,000 
Estimated delivery dates:  Autumn 2011 North Courtyard Atrium and Various Rooms 
 Autumn 2012 North Wing Meeting Rooms and Lobbies. 
 
C. ARCHIVE ROOMS  
18. Today the WTO does not have state-of-the-art archiving facilities for its voluminous 
historical records. As the depository of record fo r all GATT/WTO archives, we are in urgent need of 
such facilities. We therefore n eed to create a large space which meets prescribed international 
standards for storing records, in terms of temp erature, humidity, fire and flooding risks.  WT/BFA/W/239 
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  19. We have identified a large area in the base ment adjacent to the new South Courtyard 
Conference Centre which can be adapted for such purposes.  It is approximately 334 m2, and it is 
estimated to be sufficient to hold up to 1,500 linear  metres of archives. It will be equipped with a 
'compactus' type shelving system which maximizes bo th the use of the available floor space and the 
linear metre storage capacity. 
20. Fortunately, this area is in a location which w ill facilitate the installation of temperature and 
humidity controls, as it is adjacent to the technical  rooms of the South Conference Centre. We have 
already defined the specific requirements for the ventilation, temperature and air quality, fire 
suppression and security. The works to insta ll the necessary equipment for ventilation/ 
temperature/humidity controls will be carried out by our existing contractor for the South Conference 
Centre (HRS) during the coming months. After that , we will conduct a bidding process to select a 
specialist company to install the 'compact us' machines and other necessary equipment. 
21. We have also adapted a second room of approximately 82 m2 which can hold up to 630 linear 
metres. It will be equipped with a fixed shelving sy stem designed to maximize storage capacity. This 
will be purchased through a competitive bidding pr ocess. However, it will not be equipped with 
climate controls, and will thus be used for short- term storage and a staging area for the archivists. 
22. Security systems will be necessary to preven t access to certain areas by unauthorized 
personnel.  Installation of safety (e.g. fire detecti on and fire fighting systems) will also be included. 
Cost estimates.  CHF 900,000 
Estimated start date of technical study:  Summer 2011 Estimated completion date of archives:  December 2011 
 
D. ITTC
 TRAINING CENTRE FURNITURE  
23. One of our objectives in the building project is to  create a single, unified campus for all of our 
external training and technical assistance activities. Accordingly, we have identified an ideal space, 
namely the CWR's renovated 4th floor in the North Wing, which can be transformed into a dedicated 
site to house the ITTC training facility. It has sufficient space to house up to 50 trainees for our 
Geneva-based training courses, as well as the ITTC staff members who run the Geneva courses. It is located adjacent to the existing training room on the 4
th floor, and there is sufficient space to create a 
second training room in the same location.  
24. In furnishing this new ITTC campus, we w ill be utilizing an open-plan layout to house 
trainees and staff, but this will require the u se of good quality acoustic ro om dividers and other 
specially designed furnishings. We will also be usin g a new concept, acoustic curtains, which can be 
easily deployed to create temporary meeting areas.  Chairs, tables, shelves, and lighting fixtures will 
be installed for 15 staff members, 50 ITTC trai nees, and 16 Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTC) 
trainees. A room located in the same floor will be  used as a training facility to accommodate twenty-
four trainees.  We will use our existing furniture and equipment for the large training room, as it was 
purchased fairly recently.  However, the new smalle r training room needs to be equipped with office 
chairs, tables, shelves, and lamp s. The mezzanine area of the 4th floor will be furnished with small 
armchairs and low tables, which can be used by trainees during their breaks. 
Cost estimates:  CHF 400,000  
Estimated delivery date:  Spring 2012.   WT/BFA/W/239 
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  E. RENOVATION OF EXISTING CWR  CONFERENCE ROOMS   
25. Once the South Courtyard Conference Centre  is completed, the renovation project will 
gradually move to the various conference rooms lo cated in the North Wing. This includes Rooms W, 
A, B and C, as well as Room 64 on the ground floor. It also includes Rooms D, E and F on the Third Floor.  These rooms were already long overdue for refurbishing and replacement of technical 
equipment before the renovation project was announced , but it was decided that it would be best to 
carry out this work as part of the renovation. They  have not been renovated since the 1970s and are in 
dire need of updating.  For example, the technology used in the interpretation and sound systems is no 
longer supported by the original provider. It breaks down often and is costly to maintain. 
26. We anticipate using the same type and quality of equipment and furnishings for these rooms 
as we are installing in the South Courtyard Conference Centre. This is needed in large part to ensure 
that we have uniformity in the informatics, audio- visual and interpretation/sound systems, which will 
reduce operating costs and provide savings in mainte nance and repair. We will also be ensuring that 
we have WiFi coverage throughout these areas and that the c onference rooms will be connected to a 
technical control centre situated in the South Wing  of the CWR building to allow transmissions to 
linked rooms throughout our complex. 
Cost estimates:  CHF 8,000,000 
Completion dates:  Spring 2012   Meeting Rooms F and 64 
Autumn 2012 Meeting Rooms A, B, C, D, E and W  
 
F. S
IGNAGE  
27. In order to facilitate communication, a signa ge concept will be defined and implemented 
throughout the entire WTO complex.  Signage will be installed in the CWR and SWR buildings, the 
two villa annexes, the new administrativ e building and the underground car park. 
28. There are three key requirements for the signage across the WTO site: consistent numbering 
of floor levels and office rooms, clear orientation, and uniform graphics. 
29. A layout concept will be developed for the numbering of floor levels and office rooms 
throughout the WTO single site.  A global design co ncept will be prepared in collaboration with the 
CWR and new building architects. 
30. The signage will in part be produced by the Documents Reproduction and Distribution 
Section to minimize costs.  
Cost estimates:  CHF 200,000  
Completion date:   December 2012 
G. DATA CENTRE  
31. The new building will host a small state-of-the-a rt data centre.  This will replace the existing 
data centre located in CDM, and will house the ser vers and other equipment necessary to operate our 
network and data bases. This new data centre has to be specially configured and designed in order to 
meet the Swiss 'Minergie Plus'  requirements, which apply to the new building (buildings carrying the 
'Minergie Plus' label must meet rigid energy consumption standards). 
32. Final cost estimates will be provided follo wing the assessment of WTO requirements and 
technical specifications on ventilation, air renewal,  energy use, and safety and security compliance. WT/BFA/W/239 
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  Cost estimates:  CHF 500,000 
Completion date:   December 2012    
H. C
ATERING FACILITIES  
33. The catering project includes a new self-service restaurant on the ground floor of the new 
building with a seating capacity of 280.  The fac ility is expected to serve approximately 750 self-
service and take-out meals per day.    
34. Space for a new coffee shop and a Delegates' dining room will be allotted in the CWR North 
Courtyard Atrium.  The coffee shop, with a seatin g capacity of 30, will serve 300 to 600 staff and 
delegates per day.  The Delegate s' dining room, with a seating capacity of up to 30, will provide 
restaurant type services. 
35. The existing kitchen facilities in the CWR are out-dated and need to be replaced by new 
kitchen equipment in the new building.   New e quipment will be necessary in the new building self-
service area and the new coffee shop.  Installation of  new equipment is not included in the Building 
Project envelope. 
36. A consultant will prepare the terms of referenc e for the kitchen facilities. The architects will 
advise on the plans and specifications for the installation of the new equipment. 
Cost estimates:   CHF 2,500,000 
Completion date:    April 2012    
I. N
EW BUILDING FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS  
37. The new administrative building will be the first 'Minergie Plus' certified building among the 
international organizations located in Geneva.  It is scheduled to be completed by December 2012 and 
will be equipped with new office furniture and furnishings. 
38. It is envisaged to have 300 workstations with  an open area on each floor, which will require 
specific types of furniture.  The architects engage d for the new building project will prepare the terms 
of reference for the invitation to tender.  
39. A multi-function facility for seminars, training ex ercises and other special types of meetings 
will be located on the first floor of the new build ing.  The facility will be equipped with modular 
furniture, acoustic curtains and other specialized furn ishings to allow flexibility in its use.  It will 
contain meeting areas and team work areas.   This new multi-function facility w ill be used, inter alia, 
for staff training activities which are now held outside the WTO premises due to lack of space. It will 
also be available to delegations when they have  business delegations, academic conferences or other 
smaller events planned.   
Cost estimates:  CHF 1,800,000 
Delivery date:   October-November 2012  
J. S
ECURITY FACILITIES  
40. In addition to the funding of CHF 130 million for the building project, the Swiss authorities 
will also finance the security perimeter for the CWR site.  This project will be managed by the 
Fondation des Immeubles pour les Organisations In ternationales (FIPOI).  The financing and 
installation of the security equipment both for the perimeter and for other areas will be the 
responsibility of the WTO.  These other areas incl ude the renovated CWR and the new building, as  WT/BFA/W/239 
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  well as the underground car parks on the CWR site and at Sécheron.  These areas will need to be 
equipped with various security inst allations, including cameras, turn stiles (where appropriate), guard 
stations, badged entry doors and other features.  This  also will necessitate changes to our main control 
room, which will have to be upgraded to integrate the new equipment.   
Cost estimates: CHF 1,100,000 
Delivery dates: December 2012:    CWR Renovated Areas, Secheron Car Park, Post 
Control Security Centre December 2013:  Security Perimeter, New Building and Underground   Car Park 
 
K. P
ROJECT DIRECTOR AND ARCHITECTURAL FEES  
41. In line with the recommendation of the External  Auditor, the management of the building was 
outsourced.  In January 2010, the company POM+  Consulting was awarded the contract for the 
direction of the renovation and construction works.     
42. Three construction projects (Renovation, Intra- muros and Extra-muros) are on-going on the 
same site this year.  In 2012, there will be four cons truction projects, including the security perimeter.   
POM+ has been entrusted with the direction of th e Intra-muros, the Extra- muros, and the Security 
Perimeter projects. Management of the Common Facilities projects, including technical and architectural coordination, also requires the services of POM+. 
43. The architects responsible for the CWR renova tion, densification and extension will be 
engaged in the preparation of the terms of refere nce for some of the Common Facilities projects, such 
as the furniture for the Common Areas and the ITTC  area, and the equipment for the Conference 
Rooms and the Catering Facilities. 
Cost estimates:  CHF 500,000 
Work delivery dates:  2011 to 2013  
 
III. FUNDING STRATEGY  
44. An appropriation of CHF 8,051,716 from th e 2007 surplus was approved by the General 
Council to create the Fund in December 2008.  Th e Fund was established as a reserve to finance 
additional operating costs during the construction wo rk and final installation costs upon completion of 
the construction project. 
45. In December 2010, the General Council approved the transfer of the 2009 Surplus credit 
balance of CHF 1,036,988 to the Fund.  The Memb ers approved the utilization of the Fund for an 
amount of up to CHF 3 million to finance the equi pping of the South Courtyard Conference Centre.   
46. The Fund's financial Situation as at 31 December 2010 is shown below: 
                  C H F  
Surplus 2007       8,051,716 
Surplus 2009                              1,036,988     
Partial financing of South Courtyard Conference Centre (1,809,445) 
Fund Balance                                         7,279,259 
 WT/BFA/W/239 
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  47. The WTO will need to shortly launch a biddi ng process for the following 3 projects: 
               CHF 
Common Area Furniture     1,000,000 Archive Rooms          900,000 Institute for Training and Technical Co -operation Furniture     400,000 
Total cost estimates       2,300,000 
 
IV. RECOMMENDATION  
48. The primary source of funding for the Common Facilities projects is the Fund.  The 
Secretariat therefore proposes that the CBFA adopt th e following decision in order to allow us to 
move forward on the three projects mentioned above: 
 
The Committee agrees that an amount of up to CHF 2,300,000 from the Members' 
Transition Operating Fund may be used to finance the equipping and furnishing of the 
common areas, training facilities and archive rooms in the renovated CWR building. 
 
 
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