‘Headache’: Shoppers blast temporary staircases at Sydney Westfield

Shoppers have slammed the decision to construct temporary staircases at a busy Westfield shopping centre.

Shoppers have blasted “terrible” temporary metal staircases which have popped up at a busy Westfield shopping centre, labelling them a “headache” for wheelchair and pram users.

The temporary staircases, which are still under construction, are being installed in Westfield Eastgardens in Sydney’s southeast, while the centre works to replace six existing travelators over the coming months.

Photos shared to a community Facebook group show the metal staircases and scaffolding connecting floors throughout the centre.

“Just so the community are aware the travelators at Westfield Eastgardens from the ground floor, up to Level 1 (Nike) all the way up to Level 2 (Hoyts) will be replaced with new travelators and in the mean time there will be temporary stairs to use until the new ones have been fixed,” the post reads.

“The stairs are not complete as yet.”

The staircases are currently being installed at Westfield Eastgardens. Picture: Facebook/ Marissa Ely – Maroubra Community

Six of the centre’s travelators will be replaced. Picture: Facebook/ Marissa Ely – Maroubra Community

Shoppers can also use three sets of lifts to access retail and car park levels as well as escalators located in the middle of the centre, while the travelators are being constructed.

The photos sparked a mixed response online, with some pointing out accessibility issues.

“It’s going to be shocking, especially with prams,” one person wrote.

“This is going to cause a huge headache, especially for those of us living with disabilities. The few lifts in the centre will probably break down as well now that so many more people will need to use them,” wrote another.

“What a terrible idea. What bright spark decided to prevent easy movement with trolleys between floors. It’s going to be a disaster with folks waiting 20 mins to get in a lift,” said another.

“Lining up for the lifts behind 100 other trolleys will be fun,” another commented.

Lifts and travelators will still be in use during the construction. Picture: Facebook/ Marissa Ely – Maroubra Community

Some suggested the travelators could have been replaced one at a time, rather than all at once.

“(I) won’t be going there for a while then. (It) will lose so many shoppers,” another added.

Others said the travelators were in need of repair and welcomed the replacement despite the inconvenience.

“Everyone always whinges when they are out of service now Westfield are replacing them with new travelators and people are still whinging!” one person wrote.

“It will be a huge inconvenience but … How else will they fix the issue? I am guilty of complaining about them breaking down all the time so they are now doing something about it. Be satisfied,” said another.

A Westfield Eastgardens spokesman told news.com.au signage and additional team members will be in centre to support customers.

“We are conducting works at Westfield Eastgardens to replace the travelators on levels 1-4 of the western end of the centre which will take place over the coming months,” the statement reads.

“In the meantime, staircases will be in place to enable customers to travel between levels 1-3.
All other escalators and lifts remain in use.”