AFC Wimbledon has made a ‘significant step’ towards its new stadium plans.

The Dons have announced that Andrew Scott Ltd has been appointed as the preferred contractor for building the club’s new stadium at Plough Lane.

Merton Council approved plans proposed by AFC Wimbledon to build a new stadium near Wimbledon Greyhound Track, in December 2015.

Wimbledon FC were the main tenants of Plough Lane for nearly 80 years, from 1912 to 1991, before sharing Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace.

Andrew Scott Ltd has built a reputation for its projects involving sports stadia, including Hampshire CCC’s The Rose Bowl, Stoke City’s stadium and Parc y Scarlets which is the home of the Llanelli Scarlets.

Chief executive Erik Samuelson said: “This is a significant step forward in our move to a new stadium and we are delighted to be working with Andrew Scott Ltd.

“There is still a long way to go, but once the section 106 agreement is signed, we can really push on with our plans for a new ground in our spiritual home of Merton.”

A two-stage tender process was held in order to clarify how much the new stadium would cost.

Three companies were invited to discuss negotiations and, after a submission bids, project manager Andrew Williams published a report to the Football Club Board.

After further enquires were made, Andrew Scott were selected and the decision was reviewed and endorsed by The Dons Trust Board last week.

Once the section 106 agreement - between the council and AFC Wimbledon - is finalised, the club has said that it will work with Andrew Scott to develop the stadium design in more detail and later agree a fixed cost.