The two maps illustrate the current layout of Islip town centre and a proposed plan for its redevelopment. Overall, the key transformations involve the creation of a peripheral dual carriageway, the pedestrianisation of the existing main road, and the introduction of new residential areas and transport facilities.
Currently, the town centre is linear, extending along a single main road with shops on either side, bordered by countryside to the north and housing and a park to the south. A school is located to the southwest, with further housing to the east.
The proposed development introduces a significant change with the construction of a dual carriageway that will encircle the central area, encompassing the present main road, southern housing, and the park within its boundaries. Consequently, the original main road will be converted into a pedestrian-only zone, suggesting an emphasis on pedestrian access within the town centre. To support this, a new bus station and car park are planned adjacent to this pedestrianised area, replacing the existing northern shops, which indicates a relocation of retail activity, possibly to a new ‘shopping centre’ indicated on the plan. Furthermore, new housing is planned in the south-central area, between the new carriageway and the remaining southern shops, as well as to the east, suggesting an increase in residential capacity within closer proximity to the town centre. The school in the southwest and the housing to the far east remain outside the new road system.
In summary, the planned redevelopment of Islip town centre envisions a more self-contained area enclosed by a major road, prioritising pedestrian movement within the central retail and amenity spaces, and incorporating new housing and transport infrastructure.