Relief for Aberdeen’s Notorious 32-Step Staircase
For over four decades, train passengers arriving in Aberdeen and seeking a shortcut into the city centre have faced a challenging 32-step climb. This staircase, located between the railway station and Union Street within the Trinity Centre, has long been known for its steepness and difficulty.
However, plans to install escalators in the shopping centre are now bringing relief closer to reality. The proposed escalators would provide an easier route for pedestrians, with hopes that the installation could be completed in time for Christmas.
The staircase has been a prominent feature since the Trinity Centre opened in 1984. On Thursday, students carrying luggage and families with buggies were among those tackling the climb, and they unanimously welcomed the escalator plans. Many were already discussing the need for escalators even before being approached by BBC Scotland News.
"It would be better to have an escalator, so that would be really good. It's exhausting, especially with shopping. On a sunny day like this I am sweating,"said 19-year-old student Paige Jackson.
Elaine Yule, 38, and Kim Postlethwaite, 39, were visibly out of breath upon reaching the top of the steps.
"Horrendous,"Elaine described the climb, adding,
"It's hard work."
Kim commented,
"Horrible, they are so steep. An escalator would be good, as it's quite a thought to come up them."
Location and Alternative Routes
The rear entrance of the Trinity Centre, opposite the railway station, leads through to Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare, Union Street. While pedestrians can avoid the staircase by walking around the building, this alternative adds several minutes to their journey.
The submitted plans to Aberdeen City Council propose installing escalators for both upward and downward travel, while retaining the existing stairs on either side. The project is estimated to cost a six-figure sum.
One couple, who had just navigated the steps with three young children including one in a buggy, had debated whether to take the longer route around the building to avoid the stairs.
"It's a good plan,"said 33-year-old Mark Deering after successfully descending the steps with his family.
Community Reactions
Seventy-eight-year-old Kenneth Wilkie described the steps as a beneficial form of exercise.
"It's like climbing half the Eiger (mountain in the Swiss Alps) or Bennachie (range of hills in Aberdeenshire),"he said.
"The trouble is, you get lazy. This to me helps your momentum of keeping fit."
He added that he walks around a golf course three times a week and enjoys the extra climb into the Trinity Centre.
"An escalator will be good for some people,"he said.
"It gives people the choice."
Colin Keillor, 70, who had arrived by train from Arbroath to attend a show and was passing through the shopping centre, shared his thoughts.
"It's too high,"he laughed.
"I am knackered - I am too old. I think an escalator is a great idea."
Eighteen-year-old Taylor Gray, carrying a suitcase and shopping, commented on the difficulty the stairs pose for others.
"It's alright for me,"she said.
"But for my grandma it's hard to get up and down the stairs."
Joyce Keenan, 71, from Westhill, expressed that escalators should have been installed long ago.
"It puts my husband off coming here, as he had to stop the last time - when he got to the top he was absolutely done,"she said.
"It's good for your heart, it gives you a workout. You are not chatting as much at the top."
Trinity Centre Management Comments
Kenny Bruce, manager of the Trinity Centre, said he uses the steps daily.
"Aberdonians know the history of these steps,"he explained.
"I have got used to it, it's part of my daily exercise."
He noted that the reaction to the escalator plans has been overwhelmingly positive and emphasized that the normal stairwell will remain available.
"We are looking at how we can make the centre better - this is a key piece in the jigsaw."
