Many businesses inside a Middlesex County mall slated for redevelopment will have to close next year.

The redevelopment is part of a larger renovation project along Route 18 in East Brunswick. Several business owners inside Brunswick Square Mall told News 12 they received a notice several weeks ago that their leases will not be renewed.

Earlier this year, the East Brunswick Township Council designated the mall and several other neighboring properties along Route 18 as condemnation redevelopment areas. That means the town has the legal authority to acquire the property for a public project.

The township said they plan to transform the mall and corridor into a mixed-use space.

"It kind of just came out of nowhere,” said Jonathan Sultan, co-owner of Allure Jewelry and Watches. “…I don't know how long construction is going to take, but we have to keep running our business. So, I don't think we're going to be coming back, but if it's an option in the future, we're always open to it."

While many businesses in the mall said their leases were terminated, some told News 12 they plan to stay and move elsewhere within the mall when renovations get underway.