Area, Alchemy Asset Management and Campus Reading International Support Local Food Banks Through Project Positive
As part of its commitment to delivering meaningful environmental and social value, Area is working with client Alchemy Asset Management and Campus Reading International to support ReadiFood and local food bank services through its Project Positive initiative.
The initiative forms part of Area’s wider commitment to creating positive impact beyond the built environment. Through Project Positive, Area works with clients and project partners to reduce carbon, support local communities and leave a positive legacy beyond project completion.
Supporting Local Communities in Reading
Through the initiative, Area, Alchemy Asset Management and Campus Reading International will provide essential food and household supplies to three local food banks, helping support residents across the Reading area.
Funding has been raised by Area, with generous support from partners involved in the project, including Interior Impressions, G&R Electrical, CityServe Mechanical, Carters Flooring, Cable Comm and Crewmen.
Several communities in and around Reading are experiencing high levels of deprivation and rely heavily on local food support services. By helping provide essential provisions, the initiative will deliver practical support where it is needed most.
ReadiFood, part of Faith Christian Group, has been providing emergency food parcels in Reading for more than 25 years, delivering parcels to families and individuals referred by local agencies.
Andy Dickens, CEO of Faith Christian Group, said: "Thank you so much for your generous donation. Your support will make a big difference to those across our town who struggle with food insecurity. All the food and household donations from the group at Campus Reading International will help to maintain these valuable resources, available to the people of Reading."
Delivering Positive Impact Through Project Positive
Project Positive provides a clear framework for delivering projects that go beyond construction. The initiative focuses on reducing carbon through design, material selection and reuse, while addressing unavoidable emissions through high-quality carbon removal solutions.
Alongside its environmental aims, Project Positive also prioritises measurable social value, encouraging collaboration between Area, clients and supply chain partners to support the communities surrounding its projects.
For this initiative, food and essential items will be delivered to site, sorted by the project team and distributed across three local food banks. Campus Reading International has described the initiative as the largest of its kind it has supported to date.
Duncan Morris, Head of Sustainability at Area, explained: “Project Positive is about creating a positive impact beyond the spaces we build. We're proud to be working with Campus to support ReadiFood and Reading Pantries and help make a meaningful difference to people across Reading. We are currently on site at Campus delivering the new fitted office suites and were keen to embed ourselves fully into the community to make a real difference.”
Working Responsibly Across the Construction Industry
Area is a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the independently managed, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards across the construction industry in the UK and Ireland.
The scheme supports contractors and clients in meeting growing expectations around social value, environmental responsibility and community engagement, helping construction projects align with wider ESG priorities and deliver lasting benefits for people, places and the environment.
A Shared Commitment Beyond Construction
The support raised for this initiative reflects a shared commitment across the project team and supply chain to creating positive outcomes beyond the construction process.
Rachael Millwood of Campus Reading commented: “By working together with Area, we hope to make a lasting difference to people across Reading and reinforce our shared commitment to supporting the local community. By working together, the Campus community will make a positive impact and encourages others to get involved. Please do get in touch if you would like to contribute or donate."
