WARRINGTON Borough Council has bought the town centre building occupied by DW Sports in a deal totalling £4 million.

Finance chiefs confirmed the authority will continue to lease the property to the business.

A spokesman said: "The acquisition of the building, on Academy Way, currently occupied by DW Sports, forms part of the council's property investment portfolio.

"The council will continue to lease the property to DW Sports, it will hold as an investment and the warehouse and the sports club remain in place.

"The acquisition of the property was funded from the council's capital programme."

Law firm TLT advised the council in its purchase of the 1.48 acre site.

The TLT team involved in the deal included real estate partner Andrew Glynn, real estate associate Edward Pitt and real estate solicitor Ellie Bennun.

Mr Glynn said: "The regional property investment market is witnessing significant levels of activity from a range of local authorities, all seeking a better return on capital than is available from other sources.

"Warrington has been at the forefront of this trend and is actively seeking other similar opportunities."