State Health Office: A New Building Project with Hiccups - Koblenz’s State Laboratory Project Stalls After Costs Nearly Double to €117.5M
The construction of Koblenz’s new State Laboratory (LUA) building has ground to a halt after years of delays and spiralling costs. Originally budgeted at €50–60 million, the project now faces a final bill of around €117.5 million. The facility, designed to house advanced laboratories and even accommodate the examination of a dead elephant, has been plagued by setbacks since its shell was completed in 2019.
The project management was meant to take four years, but repeated issues have stalled progress. Early problems arose from poor execution planning by external consultants. Then, the bankruptcy of the plumbing, water, and wastewater contractor, along with the termination of the ventilation supplier, disrupted key technical installations.
The halted construction leaves the LUA without its planned expansion. The facility’s completion remains uncertain, while costs have nearly doubled. Until resolved, the agency will continue operating from its existing locations.
