KBI UK Delivers Sustainable Pathway Solutions for Groundwork Yorkshire at Salthouse Road

KBI UK is delighted to announce the completion of Phase 1 of our latest surfacing initiative in collaboration with Groundwork Yorkshire, delivering 322m² of sustainable, flexible footpaths along Salthouse Road.

Working Closely with local environmental and community partners, the goal for Phase 1 was to replace aging, damaged pedestrian footways with a resilient, permeable surfacing solution built to withstand heavy footfall while enhancing local biodiversity and tree protection.

Protecting Local Heritage & Root Systems

A central requirement for the Salthouse Road project was ensuring long-term protection for surrounding mature trees and ground ecology. Traditional asphalt or concrete footpaths often create impermeable barriers that choke root systems, causing trees to deteriorate or force roots upward, cracking the pavement above.

By installing KBI Flexipave, we were able to address both issues simultaneously:

• High Permeability: Water and air pass directly through the surface to nourish surrounding root zones, supporting sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) principles.

• Flexible Integrity: The resilient structure flexes with natural ground movement and root expansion, preventing the cracking and tripping hazards typical of rigid surfaces.

Diverting Waste from Landfill

Sustainability remains at the heart of KBI’s mission. The 322m² Phase 1 installation incorporates recycled vehicle tyres, combined with natural aggregate and KBI’s proprietary elastomeric binder.

Environmental Impact: By choosing Flexipave for Phase 1, 860 end-of-life vehicle tyres were diverted from landfill or incineration, helping to reduce waste and the environmental impact of the footway reconstruction. The project also delivered an estimated 18,914 kg reduction in CO₂ emissions, demonstrating the significant environmental benefits of choosing a recycled and sustainable surfacing solution.

Built for Accessibility & Longevity

Beyond its environmental benefits, the newly surfaced footway at Salthouse Road offers:

1. All-Weather Safety: An anti-slip, free-draining surface that eliminates standing water, puddle formation and ice hazard accumulation during winter months.

2. Smooth Accessibility: A continuous, seamless finish engineered for pushchairs, mobility scooters and pedestrian

3. Low Maintenance: Highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, UV degradation and cracking over time.

Looking Ahead

Phase 1 marks a major milestone in improving community infrastructure along Salthouse Road. KBI UK is proud to support Groundwork Yorkshire in their continued efforts to build a greener, safer and more accessible public space.

Stay tuned to the KBI UK 'latest news' page and our social media feeds for further updates as project phases progres