The diagram illustrates the transformations of Nelson City over a 25-year period.
Overall, the area has shifted from an urban city with basic amenities to a more service-oriented region. The key changes include the elimination of trees, the addition of new facilities and the conversion of modes of transport.
The northern section, in 2000, was dominated by a university and a lot of trees in the east, whilst the west featured a train station. In the present, those plants have been cleared to make way for a new shopping center, while a hall of residence has been erected in the northwest. The train station has been upgraded and moved to the south of the university, adjacent to a new road connecting the university and the City Centre.
The central area extends southward from the northern region to a road that runs from the west to the east. In the past, the road used to be used by different means of transportation with an old market lying at the western end of the road. Currently, a new shop has been opened to replace the market, and there is a new covered market at the other end of the road. In addition, the road now is for pedestrians only and a bike rental scheme is set up in the City Center for convenient travel.
The southern region stretches from the southern side of the road down to the port to the south. There used to be a port only, but at present, a restaurant and bars and clubs are opened to the west and the east of the port, in that order.