Ten businesses in Stoke-on-Trent need to agree terms about a proposed move to the new Central Business District.
The City Council is in talks to try and get the businesses to move from their current location on Broad Street in Hanley.
They need to acquire the 10 buildings for their £180 million business district development scheme. The work in the area is expected to start by Christmas.
Genr8, the developers for the scheme, have asked the council change the condition of the planning permission so that they can start on the project.
They want to start to carry out engineering works but negotiations still continue.
However, the traders do not feel that the deals offered are the best option for them.
Owner of The Gentry Hairdressers in Stoke on Trent Kevin Broad has been at his company’s current location for 39 years. He says that the multi-million pound project could have a negative effect on his business.
Kevin, 56, said: “I feel like I am being forced out and I don’t want to leave.
“I am not ready to retire yet and business has been even better since Tesco opened as a walkway leads directly on to Broad Street.
“I own the building outright and it wouldn’t be viable for me to rent in the city centre.
“I don’t understand why they cannot combine the old with the new as other cities across the country have done.”
Some businesses that were based in the area, including Rendezvous takeaway, Hancock’s Pet Centre and Wonderland fancy dress shop have already relocated.
The new Central Business District will include six office blocks, two hotels, and a retail area.
A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesman said: “Site investigation works are taking place so that any potential remedial works can be identified and planned.
“We’ve been in negotiations on a number of buildings, and these continue.”