SURF focuses on the urban fringe (social /economic/environmental) and developing instruments in which to manage a sustainable urban frindge (UF). In addition, the project aims to put the UF higher on the political agenda within the partner regions, at national and regional governments and at EU level. In most cases the UFs act as the hinterland of the urban centres, are of complex shape with a scattered landscape, administratively fragmented & don’t have distinct identity. UFs are the areas under pressure facing unsustainable growth & expansion. The cities and urban fringes can not be considered in isolation & therefore there is a need of greater integration between various policies and programmes at local, regional & national level to make the urban fringes challenging and more attractive. The partnership brings together various partners across the NSR and city region which would not have been possible with out the support from the programme.