Two housing associations have joined forces to create 604 new homes as part of the £325 million Wimbledon stadium redevelopment.

Galliard Homes and Catalyst have entered into a 50:50 joint venture agreement for the homes and 18,000 sq ft of commercial space at the former Wimbledon dog track in Plough Lane.

Having been given planning approval at the end of 2017, the development includes both private and shared ownership homes as well as AFC Wimbledon's new 11,000-seater stadium.

Thirty per cent of the project - or 177 homes - will be shared ownership.

Galliard's executive chairman Stephen Conway said: "There are so many components to this scheme that will benefit the local area and we are thrilled to have Catalyst on board who really have what it takes to make things happen in order to deliver a ground-breaking number of affordable units in a new residential scheme.

“I look forward to attending AFC Wimbledon’s opening match and celebrating the Dons’ return to the borough once the stadium is complete.”

AFC Wimbledon's chief executive Erik Samuelson said: "As a community-owned club we are delighted to be returning to our spiritual home in Plough Lane.

“In addition to bringing League football back to Wimbledon, the new stadium will form a base from which to expand our award-winning community work.

“We are looking forward to working with Galliard Homes and Catalyst to develop a site that is a key part of Merton’s regeneration strategy for the borough. But most of all we are looking forward to bringing the Dons home.”

The scheme, designed by Shepard Robson and Wilson Owens will see the delivery of a new fitness facility, retail space and a public piazza.

Ground works will start this month with construction starting in the autumn. Completion of the homes is expected early 2021.