How to extract a buffer layer from a vast amount of individual buffers around polygons using ArcMap?

Question

I have a vector layer containing nearly 8000 singlepart polygons. It looks like this:

I want statistics on the area that is further than 2,5m away from any border. I thought I could do this by creating a buffer of 2,5m around all polygons, then extracting the buffer area from the original dataset. I manage to create the buffer, but it is not a separate layer, and the polygons that are created are all multi-part with double lines.

When I select a polygon, I see the lines are overlapping, and I need the buffer lines to be separate polygons. I have tried using the multipart to singlepart tool, but it does not solve the problem. Neither does creating a union between the original layer and the buffer layer.

This is one example - here I have selected one polygon in the buffer layer(the original layer behind with grey lines, the buffer layer with see through background ad red lines, selected polygon marked with blue lines)::

Answer 1

I think you're on the right track. What I find a bit peculiar is that you don't get a separte layer from your buffer function. Have you entered an output feature class in the tool?

Idea 1: Try the approach by @FelixIP. Negative Buffers might be what you're after.

Idea 2: Another option might be to try to dissolve the buffered polygons (see image below). This should get rid of all the overlapping parts, however, you might loose some detail.

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You should receive a separate layer using the buffer tool like this. After that I suggest you try the method proposed by @Hasan Mustafa - select by location.