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For over four decades, travelers arriving by train in Aberdeen and seeking a shortcut into the city center have encountered a demanding ascent involving 32 steep steps. This staircase, located at the rear entrance of the Trinity Centre—a shopping complex opened in 1984—connects the railway station directly to Union Street, the heart of the city. The climb has long been a familiar challenge, often described as exhausting by locals and visitors alike, especially by those carrying luggage or pushing buggies.
Now, plans are underway to ease this arduous journey with the proposed installation of escalators inside the shopping centre. The project aims to provide a more convenient option for pedestrians, potentially ready for use in time for Christmas. The estimated cost of this improvement is expected to reach a six-figure sum, reflecting the significant investment in making the route more accessible. Those who currently avoid the stairs by taking a longer route around the building often find themselves adding extra minutes to their trip, so the addition of escalators is widely seen as a practical and much-needed upgrade.
Among the supporters of the plan are many who regularly face the steps, including students and families. Nineteen-year-old student Paige Jackson remarked on the tiring nature of the climb, especially on warm days, saying, “It’s exhausting, especially with shopping. On a sunny day like this I am sweating.” Similarly, two women named Elaine Yule and Kim Postlethwaite described the steps as “horrendous” and “horrible,” respectively, welcoming the idea of an escalator to ease the effort required. Families with young children have also expressed relief, recognizing the difficulty of navigating the stairs with prams and small kids.
Not everyone, however, views the steps solely as a burden. Kenneth Wilkie, 78, appreciates the staircase as a source of physical activity, likening the climb to “half the Eiger” or climbing hills near Aberdeenshire. He explained, “The trouble is, you get lazy. This to me helps your momentum of keeping fit.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged the benefit that an escalator would provide by offering “people the choice.” Other individuals, such as Colin Keillor, who travelled from Arbroath by train, described the steps as “too high” and welcomed the escalator plan, especially considering age-related difficulties. The idea has gained widespread support, with Trinity Centre manager Kenny Bruce confirming that reactions have been “overwhelmingly positive” and emphasizing that the traditional stairway will remain available alongside the new escalators. He described the improvements as a “key piece in the jigsaw” for enhancing the overall shopping centre experience
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