Setting the pace for community at Beehive Mill
We’re proud of the spaces we create. Made to inspire and bring people together, our buildings are design-led, carefully restored, full of character and offer a range of flexible workspace options.
Beehive Mill in Ancoats is a great example – previously a cotton mill, later home to the iconic Sankeys nightclub, and now a vibrant community of businesses in one of Manchester’s most creative neighbourhoods.
But what really brings our spaces to life is the community inside them. One of the people helping to shape that community is Phoebe Niemira, Community Experience Manager at Beehive Lofts.
From curating events to finding new ways to bring people together, Phoebe plays a key role in making the space feel more than just a place to work.
“I look after our Beehive Lofts events and make sure the space feels welcoming and fun for our members”, Phoebe told us. “A big part of that is planning activities that match our customers’ interests and support their wellbeing.”
Yoga had already taken off, but Phoebe spotted an opportunity. “Not everyone’s into yoga, some people want something a bit more active,” she said. “So, I started chatting to members to see if anyone fancied a lunchtime run.”
To Phoebe’s surprise (and relief), a few runners showed up for that first outing. “When you start something new, you’re never sure how it’s going to turn out, so I’m really grateful to those who gave it a go the first time as they’ve helped to shape what it’s become.”
The runners now head out every Wednesday lunchtime, with around 10 people joining each week. The route takes them from Beehive Mill along New Islington Marina and onto the canal – a stretch Phoebe describes as one of her favourites. “The location of Beehive Mill really lends itself to some of the best running routes in the city centre. You’re by the water within minutes, and it’s such a nice way to break up the day.”
The group includes everyone from casual joggers to competitive runners. “We usually do around 5km”, Phoebe explains. “Some people loop back early, and some go a bit further. There’s no pressure at all, and it’s always at a conversational pace.”
Heading back to Beehive Mill, the runners make use of our on-site facilities from freshening up in the showers to grabbing a well-earned drink at our on-site coffee shop, Just Between Friends.
It’s not just about running, either. Phoebe’s noticed the club has brought people together who might not usually cross paths. “It’s been great for some informal networking and some of our runners have even ended up working together on projects”.
When we asked what’s next, Phoebe was clear: “I’d love to see the group grow and welcome new faces from both our communities at Beehive Mill and Waulk Mill. It’s a really nice way to connect across the buildings and get more people involved.”
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