A government-backed project to provide space for tech startups has become the first office occupier at the NOMA project (pictured) in Manchester. The 87,500 sq ft Federation Building, on the southern edge of the Co-operative’s and Hermes’ scheme, will be home to the Forward Plan, in which local entrepreneurs will sublease space out to SMEs. Edwards & Co acted for the occupier; Colliers International and JLL are leasing agents. chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com