Aberdeen City Council is set to consider a £100,000 contribution towards a new escalator, aimed at significantly improving connectivity and footfall between Guild Street, the Trinity Centre, and Union Street. This proposed investment seeks to bolster the ongoing regeneration of Aberdeen’s city centre.
The funding proposal, which will be brought before councillors at next week’s Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee, suggests utilising revenue generated from bus lane enforcement fines. Plans for the escalator were initially submitted in April 2026 by the Trinity Centre and have since received approval from Aberdeen City Council.
Committee Vice-Convener Miranda Radley has championed the £100,000 contribution. Council documents highlight that the initiative is expected to enhance linkages between Wapping Street, the Trinity Centre, and Union Street. Crucially, it aims to eliminate a “significant accessibility barrier” for various demographics, including older individuals, families navigating with prams, visitors with luggage, and those with mobility challenges.
The Trinity Centre management has demonstrated strong commitment to the project, having matched every contribution made towards its overall cost. Kenny Bruce, the Centre Manager at Trinity Centre, previously expressed optimism that the escalators could be operational “in time for the Christmas rush.”
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The private sector and other local partners, including Aberdeen Inspired and Our Union Street, have also committed substantial backing to the project. Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, voiced his support, characterising the escalator plan as a positive stride in the revitalisation of Aberdeen’s urban core.
Borthwick remarked: “The private sector and other city partners have already put significant backing behind this project, so it is right that the council looks at how it can help get it over the line. Small interventions like this can make a big difference to footfall, connectivity and confidence, and we hope councillors will give the proposal their support.”
If approved, the council’s £100,000 injection would finalise the funding package, paving the way for a project that Trinity Centre believes will establish a new “gateway” into Aberdeen city centre. This development is also anticipated to improve connections between Union Street and the primary transport links at Union Square, contributing to the broader city centre regeneration agenda.
