Nottinghamshire Businesses Face ‘Impossible’ Eviction Deadline

Approximately 20 businesses operating at Botany Commercial Centre, located on Botany Avenue in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, report facing an “impossible task” following the receipt of a 30-day notice to vacate their properties. An email dispatched to these firms earlier this month communicated the requirement for them to depart the site for a minimum period of 10 months. In response, company directors and employees have established a collective to contest the eviction notice, asserting their unanimous refusal to comply with the directive. Galaxy Real Estate, the management company that purchased the property in September, stated that urgent roof repairs are necessary to resolve “significant safety issues.” Ashley Barnes, proprietor of Mansfield Worktops, highlighted that his operation involves intricate and substantial machinery, the dismantling, relocation, and reassembly of which could incur costs amounting to tens of thousands of pounds. He commented: “There’s just not enough time for 20 businesses to find new premises, sign a new lease and set back up without affecting your staff or your customers.” Barnes further elaborated on the employee impact: “The stress it’s having on the staff, they’re asking me every day, have we still got a job in two weeks? And I can’t answer that unfortunately. Even if I outsource the fabrication, my staff have got no job because they’re the fabricators.” Mr. Barnes indicated that customers have cancelled orders due to concerns regarding their fulfillment. He proposed a phased approach to the repair work to minimize disruption and expressed his conviction that no businesses would vacate by the month’s end. He added: “We’re all just going to stay put and hope that the legalities behind it are going to help us and keep us where we are.” Alec Whitworth, representing Botany Indoor Car Boot, characterized the email from Galaxy Real Estate as “vague and very short.” He stated: “We’re small businesses, not all of us can pay the £500 for a commercial solicitor to even fight this.” Whitworth concluded: “So we’re having to do our research on our own and hopefully find out where we stand.” Steve Yemm, the Member of Parliament for Mansfield, criticized the brevity of the eviction notice issued to the business owners, deeming it not “good enough,” and has penned an open letter to the firm’s chief executive seeking a meeting. In a formal statement, Galaxy Real Estate conveyed its “deeply regrets the disruption caused,” yet emphasized that the safety of its tenants “must remain our top priority.” The company further explained: “The nature of the repairs involves scaffolding and extensive structural work, which presents a serious risk of falling debris. Specialist contractors have recommended that the site be vacated to ensure the safety of tenants and workers alike.”