Thirlstone Centros Miller launched its development drive with a 90,000-sf scheme in Epsom on the former Sainsbury's site in the town's High Street. Once completed, the company predicts that the scheme will have an end value in excess of £17 million ($24 million) and provide retail, leisure, residential and parking facilities.

TCM plans to build 23,000 sf of ground-floor retail space with a 14,000 sf health and fitness club on the first floor. The 45,500 sf of mixed tenure residential accommodation will consist of 65 one and two bedroom apartments. Guide prices for the private apartments start from £150,000 ($213,000) for a one-bedroom and £200,000 ($282,000) for a two-bedroom apartment, each with allocated parking. The retail element of the development is due for completion in summer 2002 and the residential element in summer 2003.

Centros Miller managing director Lester Hampson said: 'The joint venture is a very exciting strategic alliance for Centros Miller as it enables us to continue our expansion plans for the next three years. We will be looking at large scale development opportunities in which we can utilitse the combined skills of both companies in retail, leisure and residential property.'

TCM board members will include Thirlstone Homes' Keith Ireland and Simon Fairlass, and Hampson and John Laker of Centros Miller.