Construction has officially begun on a new $1.7bn public health laboratory for the Wadsworth Center in Albany, New York.
The new facility will consolidate five existing sites in the Greater Albany area into a single location on the W. Averell Harriman Campus. It is expected to be completed by 2030.
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The design-build team for the project is a joint venture between Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, working in collaboration with HOK architects.
The new building will feature five stories and encompass 663,000 gross square feet. Its design prioritises adaptability to changing needs, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted that the facility will house nearly 800 staff members.
Additionally, the centre will enhance collaboration with SUNY University at Albany and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory, building on academic partnerships that have been in place since the mid-1980s.
By consolidating operations, the state aims to strengthen its response to future public health challenges, support scientific research, and foster collaboration on a national scale.
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By GlobalDataGovernor Kathy Hochul said: “The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory is a powerful investment in the health of every person in New York State.
“The lab will allow the State to better predict and prepare for emerging threats to public health and will be one of the most authoritative public health laboratories in the country, impacting public health policy and practice at the state, national and international level.”
Wadsworth Center has operated since 1901 and is regarded as the country’s largest and one of the most varied state public health laboratories.
It serves as New York’s main site for wastewater surveillance focused on detecting pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
The centre also acts as the primary Safe Drinking Water Act laboratory and leads programmes related to infectious diseases, environmental hazards, toxicology, and diagnostic testing for diseases such as tuberculosis, Mpox, and influenza.
In addition, it conducts newborn screening for over 210,000 babies annually.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognises Wadsworth Center as a national reference centre covering several threats to public health.
In addition to driving innovation in diagnostic testing pipelines, Wadsworth sets statewide regulatory standards for laboratories that exceed federal requirements.
The consolidation is intended to reinforce New York’s model for public health laboratories across the country by advancing preparedness measures and ensuring ongoing protection for residents and communities beyond state borders.
