Homebuyers are snapping up new properties being built on three former major industrial sites in the Midlands, developer St Modwen said today.

St Modwen said development at the former Goodyear site in Wolverhampton was now under way, with “good levels” of initial sales.

And its scheme on the former Longbridge site in Birmingham – Park View – had seen an “excellent response”.

Meanwhile, a detailed planning application had already been submitted for another 229 homes at Longbridge, with building work expected to start in early 2012.

At the same time St Modwen – based on the Quinton Business Park in Birmingham – said it was making good progress with a new 85,000 sq ft supermarket for Sainsbury’s at Longbridge, and another for Tesco at Hednesford in Staffordshire.

Work has started on developing the Phoenix Retail Park at Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Bill Oliver, chief executive, said:

“We continue to make good progress in the year to date. Even in this challenging market we have been able to drive income throughout our portfolio and I am particularly encouraged by the continued resilience of our retail assets.”