Dozens of homes and hundreds of jobs on way to former Wolverhampton Goodyear site

Halesowen-based Barratt Homes West Midlands has been given planning permission by Wolverhampton council to build 124 homes in Mercury Road, as part of a housing estate development which has already seen a new Aldi supermarket built, as well as the Gatehouse pub and new homes.

The first phases of the project have seen Persimmon Homes build 184 homes at its Akron Gate development with a further 169 to be built.

In 2008 the land, which had been the home of 7,000 workers at the historic Goodyear site in Oxley, was reduced to rubble and the £150 million housing estate is seen as a vital part of the regeneration plans for the city.

The first homes at Mercury Place, built by Barratt Homes, will be ready to move into early in 2016 and will be available for sale from October this year.

It is expected that around 200 jobs, including construction and development, will be created.

Adrian Farr, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: "This is an important site for the area and we are delighted that after working closely with Wolverhampton council, work is now underway.

"Our range of top quality homes will be prove an asset to the overall scheme and we look forward to providing much needed properties for all kinds of homebuyers."

It is hoped that the new homes will go towards easing high demand for property close to Stafford Road, a key route into the city.

Prior to submitting plans for the £15 million Mercury Place development, Barratt Homes offered nearby residents the chance to discuss any concerns they would have about the development.

The company has recently submitted a planning application to the council to widen the main road through its development to 18ft (5.5 metres), and is awaiting the outcome.

Work at the Akron Gate phase of the development is ongoing, and is expected to be completed in two years.

Stephen Cleveley, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: "We are currently about halfway through our build schedule for Akron Gate where we are building apartments and houses starting from just £92,950.

"To date a total of 184 properties have been completed and customers have moved in. There are always 20 to 30 more under construction during the site's life and we anticipate that the build will be completed in two years.

"This has been a very strong development for us so far. We are pleased with the interest shown In Akron Gate so far and are confident that it will continue its success."

Once residents have moved in to the new homes it is expected they will add £2.3 million to the economy each year.