Shoppers Express Frustration Over Temporary Staircases at Sydney Westfield

Shoppers at a bustling Westfield shopping centre in Sydney have voiced their dissatisfaction with the installation of temporary metal staircases. These staircases, which are currently under construction, have been set up at Westfield Eastgardens in the southeast of the city while the center undergoes the process of replacing six existing travelators over the next few months.

Photos shared on a community Facebook group reveal metal staircases and scaffolding connecting different levels throughout the center. A post on the page informs the community of the reason behind the temporary stairs and reassures them that the project is still ongoing.

Accessibility Concerns

Some shoppers have raised concerns about the accessibility of the temporary staircases, particularly for wheelchair users and individuals with prams. They have labeled them as a “headache” and criticized the design choice, expressing their frustration with the inconvenience caused. One person mentioned the upcoming redevelopment of Eastgardens, stating that the place is in dire need of a full refurbishment.

Furthermore, shoppers pointed out that the presence of these staircases could lead to long waits for lifts due to the limited mobility options. The potential queuing behind numerous trolleys was also seen as a hassle.

There were suggestions that the travelators could have been replaced one by one rather than all at once, which would have reduced the impact on shoppers. Some even acknowledged the need for replacement, acknowledging the constant complaints about the travelators’ frequent breakdowns.

Coping with the Inconvenience

A spokesperson for Westfield Eastgardens addressed the concerns, stating that signage and additional staff members would be present in the center to assist customers during the construction period. The spokesperson explained that the travelators on levels 1-4 of the western end of the center will be replaced gradually over the coming months. In the meantime, staircases between levels 1-3 will be available for customers to use, while the other escalators and lifts in the center will remain operational.

Despite the inconvenience caused by the temporary staircases, some individuals understood the necessity for replacement and urged others to be patient and satisfied with the action being taken to address the ongoing issues with the travelators.

The installation of temporary staircases at Westfield Eastgardens has sparked criticism from shoppers due to accessibility concerns and the potential disruptions caused by limited mobility options. While some believe the replacements could have been handled differently, others recognize the need for improvement and encourage patience during this transitional phase. Westfield Eastgardens assures customers that they will provide support and assistance throughout the construction process.