JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is preparing to move most of its services out of the Jackson Medical Mall.

According to State Senator David Blount (D-District 29), UMMC is moving about 80% of their space back to its Jackson campus or its new building in Madison County. He said Jackson’s delegation met with UMMC leaders last week about the plan.

The hospital has leased space at the Jackson Medical Mall since 1995 for clinical, research, education and administrative purposes. Currently, UMMC leases about 450,000 square feet and plans to cut their lease space down to 100,000 square feet over time.

“If they pull out of this Medical Mall, this area will surely die,” said Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 3.

The councilman said hundreds of people are employed at the Jackson Medical Mall, and thousands of people visit the facility every day. Blount said they’re looking to fill space when it becomes available.

“We’re already looking at other state agencies that may be leasing property elsewhere to see if they can lease property in the manner to law,” he said.

UMMC declined to speak to WJTV 12 News about their plans.