The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Sustainable Urban Fringe
(SURF) project
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
About SURF
Sustainable Urban Fringes (SURF) is a 3 year
project 2009 - 2012, bringing together partners
and experts from across the North Sea Region
to exchange information and develop a
common approach towards urban fringe
development.
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Who are the Partners?
• 13 partners
• 5 countries
– UK
– Netherlands
– Belgium
– Germany
– Sweden
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
About Urban Fringes
An urban fringe is a
zone of transition and
interface between
urban and country
areas, where a broad
variety of land uses
and activities come
together
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Objectives SURF
Improved
Environmental
quality.
Contribution to
health & well
being of local
communities.
Economic
development
opportunities.
Tackle complex and conflicting policy
Tackle issues of ownership & administration
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Project challenges
• Challenges facing urban fringes, include:
– complex issues of ownership and administration
– declining biodiversity
– deteriorating water quality
– low green space value
– poor access
– threat from growth and expansion
– inconsistent spatial planning policy
– Impact from changing demographics.
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Key themes for the urban fringes
1. Economy, competitiveness, enterprise
– Contribution to an areas competitiveness and sustainability.
2. Governance
3. Role and value of green spaces
– Benefits quality urban fringes bring to adjacent communities.
4. Spatial Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
– Addressing divided and uncoordinated planning responsibilities.
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
What is SURF doing?
Urban Fringe information sharing
– Raising awareness of the urban fringe agenda.
– Providing a common platform to exchange knowledge,
strategies, policies in dealing urban fringes.
Urban Fringe Research and Analysis
– Urban Fringe SWOT analysis & analytical framework.
– Information exchange on urban fringe policy challenges.
Urban Fringe Implementation
– Production of integrated policy guidelines.
– Production of urban fringe tool kit.
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
And finally…
SURF partners are
working to ensure
urban fringes are
recognised as valuable
assets. These areas
can provide a high
quality environment,
creating vital urban
areas where people
want to live work and
do business.
The European Regional Development FundEuropean Union
Find out more…
• SURF website
– www.sustainablefringes.eu