The Marcus Garvey Centre closed due to fire door problems. Businesses have 28 days to leave as a safety precaution.
The assessment found problems with fire doors. The issues caused the center to close. Businesses must leave by March 4. This allows surveying of the building. The survey will assess cost issues.
The council said fire doors have specific problems. This includes building compartmentalization. The risks were high enough to close it. Work on the building could cost a lot. The council has limited funds right now.
The center used to be Raleigh Bikes’ HQ back in the 1930s. Lately, it helped small businesses. Afro-Caribbean groups also used the space.
Businesses learned of the closure January 27. They were pretty upset about it. Finding a new place is hard, with similar prices. The closure impacts their money, and operations.
The council knows this affects businesses. They said safety comes first. They can’t house businesses until the survey is done. They will support them, trying to lower disruption. Tenants will learn survey results and future plans.
Businesses say the council ignores their pleas. They want help finding new locations. They don’t know if they’ll get any assistance.
The closure might affect nearby workshops. Their heating and bathrooms are in the main building. The council says the workshops can stay open. They will get extra bathroom facilities.