The European redwood decking has been used to create a timber boardwalk 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 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.

Landscape architects FPCR Environment & Design have been involved in the project since its inception in 2008 providing 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 Eternit’s Antislip Plus decking 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.

Jane Fortescue, from FPCR Environment & Design, said: “Having been impressed by the Marley Eternit timber decking at the Olympic Park in London, we contacted the manufacturer to find out how it could be used in a similar way to create the boardwalk at New Lubbesthorpe.

“We chose the Marley Eternit Antislip Plus because we wanted the boardwalk to have a smooth and clean finish which is easy to maintain and suitable for use in all weathers. The decking gives a clean, contemporary style that is suited to such a large boardwalk and creates a striking first impression.”

Marley Eternit 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 Eternit, said: “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.”