Cultivating urban vitality in small historic city centres: A case study of Nelson, New Zealand : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University

Abstract

Urban revitalisation and vitality are increasingly prioritised as cities shift away from car dependency toward people-centred environments. While large, dense cities like Copenhagen and New York show how reclaiming public space can enliven urban centres, smaller cities face distinct challenges. In New Zealand, small historic cities like Nelson—with low density, limited permanent residents, issues with land use, and an ageing population—struggle to maintain the momentum needed for economic and social vitality. This makes revitalisation a critical concern. This research uses Nelson as a lens to explore how revitalisation can support inclusive, vibrant, and resilient futures for small, superdiverse cities in New Zealand. It examines how international strategies—such as Jan Gehl’s human-scale design, Finland’s smart shrinkage, and anti-suburbanisation efforts from North America—must be adapted to local cultural contexts and stakeholder values to be effective. Participatory workshops and interviews, supported by AI-generated visualisations, gathered diverse perspectives from design experts, community members, and non-design professionals. Findings reveal that revitalisation cannot rely solely on consensus-based approaches. Significant differences exist between community groups’ visions for Nelson’s city centre. One size does not fit all—conflicting urban imaginaries and ‘big dreams’, shaped by ethnicity, culture, age, profession, and travel experience, require careful negotiation rather than uniform solutions. This research introduces the Urban Negotiation Zone (UNZ) Model as a tool for identifying and navigating these competing visions, promoting more inclusive and context-sensitive outcomes. Additionally, the study demonstrates how AI can enhance the participatory design process by making urban futures more engaging and accessible for different groups of people. This research contributes to urban design scholarship in three key ways: adapting global revitalisation strategies to small city contexts, recognising the role of superdiversity in shaping urban planning, and integrating AI-assisted visual tools into participatory processes. Ultimately, the study advocates for moving beyond imported urban branding to foster negotiated, community-led approaches that reflect the complexity of small, superdiverse cities navigating demographic and spatial change.