Welcome to Bridge 5 Mill! We pride ourselves as being Greater Manchester’s leading centre for social change and sustainability. We are proud to be home to a diverse range of organisations, events and ideas that make our great city greener, healthier & more equitable.
As you can read on our About Us page, we were originally established in 1996 under a different name (Merci). We are no strangers to the city region, and we have forged meaningful connections with like-minded folk from different walks of life; this is reflected by the diversity of causes being championed within our walls, ranging from emotional therapy for creatives to active campaigning for nuclear disarmament.
In addition to the groups based here at the mill, we operate as an events venue with several unique spaces for hire. Our goal is to provide space for organisations and groups who share our ethos, and we offer subsidised rates for non-profits and charities – we want to do what we can to help facilitate their important work.
Our building acts as a constant reminder of Manchester’s industrial past, and remnants of this can be found throughout the mill! There are also more recent gems, such as our reception desk, a piece of slate that was once the top of a snooker table back when the mill was used as Ancoats Lads Club. Sustainability is a core part of our mission here.
Ultimately, our vision is to be a versatile social change centre, empowering a diversity of creative and social changemakers in the North West, with the aim to facilitate and deliver social action in a sustainable way. We also aim to become an essential and supportive organisation within our parent charity the Fairfield Environment Trust by acting as the gateway urban centre for their global strategy.
We’re always excited to hear from new groups who share our vision, so please get in touch if you would like to collaborate or partner with us. As our community grows, we’re sure we’ll continue to be inspired by all those carrying out their great work within our walls.