AFC Wimbledon has sold its ground to Chelsea Football Club for a reported £2m to fund a return to its spiritual home in Plough Lane, SW17, where it plans a new stadium and residential development.
Chelsea will use Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, for its women’s and youth team matches.
Wimbledon’s joint planning application with Galliard Homes and the Greyhound Racing Association Acquisitions for an 11,000 seater stadium (with room to expand to 20,000 seats), 602 flats, a crèche, parking, shops and leisure facilities, is awaiting the green light from new London mayor Sadiq Khan.
The plans were approved by Merton Council in March but called in by his predecessor Boris Johnson.
As MP for neighbouring Tooting, Khan had objected to the plans. However, as mayor he may take a different view.
Erik Samuelson, chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, said: “This is a major milestone for us. The proceeds of this deal are an essential part of the financing of the new stadium. The vision of a return to Merton, with all the community benefits it also brings, is now becoming very real.”
AFC Wimbledon had bought the stadium for a reported £2.5m from Kingstonian Football Club in 2003, allowing the semi-professional outfit to stay on rent-free as part of the deal.
Kingstonian are now searching for a new home, with a mooted move to a golf centre in nearby Chessington, Surrey, as part of a 700-home Affinity Global development.
