Marley – The future of roofing

The £140 million development of a next generation shopping and leisure park in Northamptonshire, Rushden Lakes, chose Antislip Plus Smooth decking from Marley to provide a durable and effective external antislip surface for visitors. 

The unique project, which comprises a 30-acre development, will also link up four existing nature reserves, identified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to create the Nene Wetlands, a one mile square natural space for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.

As part of the project, more than 500,000 sq.ft of Antislip Plus Smooth decking was used at the retail park development, creating a linear length of around 40km.

Gary Wilburn, director of design and sustainability at HPW Architecture, which led the design and development of the masterplan for the 244-acre site, explains why, when selecting a decking solution to meet the bespoke needs of the project, Antislip Plus Smooth, was the obvious choice. He says: “The unique nature of the Rushden Lakes development is setting an entirely new standard for the retail and leisure experience, and as such, we required a decking solution which would not only deliver enduring anti-slip properties, but one which would also seamlessly fit in with the wider natural surroundings.

Centre manager Paul Rich comments in the local press: “We have had about 4.5 million visitors in the first year and 30,000 people are using the bridge each month.” Emily Dix, Marketing Executive at Marley, adds:  “For a project such as Rushden Lakes, where huge numbers of visitors are expected, Antislip Plus Smooth decking is an ideal solution, as it offers antislip properties which exceed HSL guidelines, but also seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment, making it the perfect choice for retail and conservation areas alike.”

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