Community boardwalk

Case study source: Marley Ltd
Location: Leicestershire
Landscape architect: FPCR Environment and Design
Photography: Marley Ltd

Materials: Antislip Plus decking with a smooth profile
Materials Supplier: Marley Ltd
Tel: 01283 722588

Marley Antislip decking has been specified on a pioneering project to build a brand new community in Leicester. The European redwood decking has been used to create a stunning timber boardwalk, providing a scenic pedestrian link and acting as a focal point for the entrance of the New Lubbesthorpe development.

Situated between Leicester Forest East and Enderby, New Lubbesthorpe is an ambitious project to develop a complete community, including 4,250 high quality new homes, two primary schools, a secondary school, as well as retail and business space. In keeping with its rural surroundings, New Lubbesthorpe will have some of the largest, most biodiverse and most attractive parks created in the wider urban area in the last 50 years; over 320 acres of parkland is to be provided within the scheme.

Creating a natural aesthetic for the site was very important and landscape architects FPCR Environment & Design have been involved in the project since its inception in 2008. They have provided planning, masterplanning, design and detail design services for the scheme. As part of their detailed work, they designed a large boardwalk to provide pedestrian access to the new homes and to make an impressive entrance feature for both residents and visitors.

Marley’s Antislip Plus decking, with a smooth profile, was chosen to create the boardwalk, giving pedestrians the opportunity to walk over, or around the lake, adding a park-like aesthetic to the entrance of the site. The curved boardwalk also features wooden benches, so residents can stop and take in their surroundings.

Marley Antislip decking boards are specifically designed to provide a durable and effective external anti-slip surface to minimise any risk of slipping – even in adverse weather conditions. They use a unique formula of resin-based aggregate inserts, which are injected into the deck board grooves.

Over 3,000 metres of the Antislip Plus decking was installed on the New Lubbesthorpe boardwalk. The boards were also treated with MicroPro, a preservative system which incorporates micronized copper co-biocides to improve durability and provide a natural timber look.

Emily-Jane Dix, from manufacturer Marley, adds: “Our Antislip decking is ideal for projects like this that require a natural, contemporary aesthetic but need to be safe to use in all weather conditions and easy to maintain. The boardwalk at the New Lubbesthorpe development creates an impressive frontage to the site and also helps to maximise the use of green space for pedestrians.”

About Marley

Marley is at the forefront of the roofing industry in the UK, with over 100 years of roofing expertise and heritage. But that’s not all. We offer flexible, efficient service that saves our customers time and money on their projects. We’re even accredited by the Institute of Customer Service for our commitment to deliver the best possible customer experience.

We are the only UK manufacturer offering all elements of a roofing system including:


• Clay and concrete tiles

• Shingles

• Roofing accessories

• BS 5534 compliant JB Red Batten



What’s more, this complete pitched roofing solution comes with an unrivalled 15 year guarantee, offering you complete peace of mind.

Our innovative and market-leading products also include a range of TDCA approved timber decking, which have recently been awarded the 'DeckMark' accreditation.

All our products are supported by a wide range of easily accessible technical services and expert support for customers from all areas of the construction industry.

So whatever you need, we’re confident that we can provide the right solution. Our online portal makes it quick and easy to get in touch with us.