Pioneering Active Travel with Hardscape’s Dutch Kerb Range
Overview
Hardscape is proud to have contributed to the award-winning transformation of Kingsway in Stretford, Greater Manchester – a project that redefines public realm design through a strong focus on active travel, sustainability, and community wellbeing. As part of a collaborative team led by Trafford Borough Council, with Civic Engineers, Exterior Architecture, The LK Group, Simon Fenton Partnership, AE Yates, and FCBStudios, this scheme exemplifies the power of integrated urban design.
Funded in part by the UK Government’s £17.6 million Future High Streets Fund, the Kingsway scheme aimed to create a safer, greener, and more connected town centre. The redesign reduced carriageway widths, introduced segregated cycle lanes, widened footpaths, and enhanced public transport access, transforming Kingsway into a central mobility hub. New public spaces, rain gardens, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and play areas further enriched the urban environment.
Hardscape’s Contribution: Dutch Kerb for Active Travel
Hardscape supplied their innovative Active Travel Kerb range to support the scheme’s active travel ambitions. These kerbs, featuring a forgiving splay profile, offer a safer and more comfortable experience for cyclists by reducing the risk of pedal strikes and facilitating smooth transitions between carriageway and cycle path. Their integration into the Kingsway design has been praised for enhancing the quality and usability of the cycle infrastructure. Kellen paving materials was also used to complement the scheme.
A review by Dom Cycling highlighted the effectiveness of the Dutch Kerbs:
“The cycle paths feature forgiving splayed kerbs on either side along the route – you’re less likely to strike the kerb with a pedal if you get too close and you’re able to go up and down the kerb without falling off.”
Collaboration with Exterior Architecture
Our close collaboration with Exterior Architecture was instrumental in integrating the Dutch Kerb into the broader landscape design. Their expertise ensured that the kerbs complemented the aesthetic and functional goals of the project, contributing to a cohesive and user-friendly public realm.
Active Travel and Sustainability
The Kingsway project stands as a benchmark for active travel infrastructure. Civic Engineers emphasised the scheme’s impact:
“Designing a greener, healthier Kingsway, with the introduction of a sustainable urban drainage strategy that incorporates new trees and raingardens for climate resilience, goes to the heart of everything we do.”
The inclusion of SuDS, rain gardens, and increased green spaces not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Community Impact and Recognition
The transformation of Kingsway has been well-received by the community, offering improved safety, accessibility, and recreational spaces. The project’s success was recognised with the 2025 Pineapples Award for Infrastructure, celebrating excellence in urban regeneration.
Citation: The judges congratulated the boldness of this project to remove an underpass, which will have a strong impact beyond the immediate environment as a potential case study for others to follow. The street furniture had clearly come from discussions with the community around what they wanted alongside excellent planting that with a strong rationale. This project sends a clear message to be creative and take a different approach to enjoy fantastic outcomes.
Conclusion
The Kingsway, Stretford project exemplifies how thoughtful design and collaboration can create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces. Hardscape is honoured to have played a role in this transformative scheme, providing innovative solutions like the Dutch Kerb to support active travel and community wellbeing.