Housebuilder Miller Homes West Midlands is predicting a brighter start to the decade after beginning work on two new developments in the region.

The Solihull-based firm said construction activity has now started for the new schemes, located on high-profile sites in Northfield and Erdington.

Sales and marketing director for Miller Homes West Midlands Linda Androlia said it was good news for the region’s economy, as construction work will help to meet targets for new homes and boost local employment.

She said: “Both sites are well known locally and there is genuine demand with lots of interest from people about the planned developments. It’s great that diggers and workers are now visible on site and to be able to confirm that the new homes will be available for purchase off plan from March.

“The end of the noughties was a challenging time for the housebuilding industry but this is yet another sign that the market is improving.

“With work beginning on not one but two new sites, we are sending a clear message to both housebuyers and our competitors that we are committed to the West Midlands and have real confidence in the housing sector.”

Miller Central will be located on the former Kalamazoo site in Northfield with the first phase comprising a mix of 153 homes. The Northcote development will have 91 properties on George Road, in Erdington.