Construction has begun on the new ‘landmark’ headquarters for the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea as it replaces a former Homebase warehouse.

The two-acre development named Avanton:Battersea, in York Road, will be purpose-built for the organisation and include 299 homes, 50 of them under affordable housing criteria in partnership with housing association A2 Dominion.

It will be nearly double the size of the current premises in Battersea Square and also feature a performance space, studios, a library and archive.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, Wandsworth Council’s leader, said: “The Royal Academy of Dance is a very important Wandsworth institution which has been here since the early 1970s.

“It’s fantastic they have been able to stay in the borough and these new headquarters will be an exciting addition to the area. Cultural venues and organisations are really important to any community and we are so lucky to already have a diverse mix within Wandsworth.

“The Royal Academy of Dance are proud residents of the borough and wonderful cultural ambassadors for us. Their presence can only stimulate and enhance our cultural offer and I know the local community will continue to benefit from their presence and the wonderful work they do.”

The news follows an agreement reached with the council last January, with the Battersea Square site being converted into 34 flats and five modern townhouses.

Royal Academy of Dance chief executive Luke Rittner said: “As a world leader in dance education and training, our new home needs to reflect that status in every way.

“I believe that this new building will be a world-class headquarters that will not only make our members, staff and partners proud, but will support us in delivering a wide range of benefits and services for the Wandsworth and wider London communities.

“This is an exciting milestone in our history.”

It is expected to be completed by 2020, which will coincide with the Royal Academy of Dance’s centenary year.