The Co-op has launched communal officer space for the next generation of tech companies.

The Federation, part of the NOMA redevelopment in Manchester city centre, covers on eight floors totalling 8,100 sq ft of a former textile warehouse on Federation Street.

The Co-op has spent £2m fitting out the space and operating costs.

The space is aimed at technology companies exploring alternative economic models such as co-operatives, community interest groups and social enterprise.

The first two floors offer flexible desk space, 13 private offices, meeting rooms, a coffee shop and event space.

Tech firm, ThoughtWorks currently occupy the fourth floor, whiler the third floor is occupied by Equal Experts, Northcoders and Big Lottery Fund.

Co-op’s digital team has worked on two floors in the building since October 2016.

There are also plans in place to build a user research lab called ‘Fed Lab’, which will be available for short-term rent by third party organisations as well as existing occupants of the building.

Fed lab will give businesses access to a viewing and recording room with high spec equipment, where they can take product prototypes to be trialled and tested.

Steve Murrells, CEO of the Co-op Group, said: “From the outset we decided that we wanted to share this building with others, creating a physical space for responsible digital innovation, where good practice is shared and celebrated, and where digital pioneers can learn from each other.

“However, it’s much more than a space, The Federation will actively encourage businesses to invest and grow, using technology to deliver positive change, from connecting young people with opportunities, reaching out to schools to specifically address diversity in Science, Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM), to providing subsidised access for a public events programme that will concentrate on key elements in the digital economy and society, with particular emphasis on open data.

“The Federation is a cornerstone in the creation of a movement for social change and economic responsibility, helping to cement Manchester's well established reputation in the digital world. This is because of who we are and how we’re owned. We know that the world works better when we co-operate.”

Other tenants include: Wool Digital, Silverchip, The Art of Honey, Mighty Giant, Foodinate, UsTwo, Kainos, NHS Research and Development North, Apadmi, Startupfactory, My2Be, JigTalk, Hive, OpenDataServices, Liverpool Girl Geeks, Social Mobility Foundation, Away With Words, Brooke, Lyon&Lyon, Thwaites Communication, CodeYourFuture and Course Match.

Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham has backed the scheme.

He said: “We have set out ambitious plans to become one of the top five leading digital cities in Europe in the Greater Manchester Strategy and we are determined to achieve this by working together with likeminded people.

“As a proud co-operator, I am pleased to see the Federation bringing co-operative values to the development of the digital economy. This will ensure that we build a more inclusive approach to digital Greater Manchester and help more businesses succeed.”