Rhenac is proud to announce the installation of its state-of-the-art CLS® (Complete Light Spectrum) mobile grow lighting systems at Leigh Sports Village.
The project represents a significant dedication to sustainability and sporting excellence, ensuring high-quality pitch conditions for all four professional teams using the venue for football and rugby.
The contract has been awarded to Turf Lighting Solutions (TLS), part of the Rhenac Group. Based in Standish, Wigan, TLS and their Germany based parent company Rhenac have an outstanding international portfolio, delivering installations for venues including Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and FC Schalke 04 in Germany.
Striking the right balance between international expertise and local economic support was essential for the council, who were keen to back a Wigan borough-based business while equipping Leigh Sports Village with technology that would enhance pitch quality and contribute to the borough’s environmental objectives.
The new Rhenac CLS® systems are at the forefront of environmentally friendly turf management. Intelligent sensors and automated controls ensure the right light, colour spectrum and temperature are delivered precisely when required, promoting strong, healthy turf growth while minimising energy consumption. Integrated UV-C technology helps to manage fungus and disease naturally, while built-in heat panels support recovery and growth during colder periods.
Use of the latest CLS LEDs technology results in turf that requires less water and fertiliser, further reducing the environmental impact. With more than 600 TLS rigs operating across 25 countries, the aluminium frames are proven in some of the world’s most demanding sporting environments. Each unit is constructed from lightweight, anti-rust aluminium that is 100% recyclable, combining durability, efficiency and full material recovery at the end of its service life. With all lighting components and spare parts guaranteed to be available for the next ten years, the system offers venues a secure and future-proof investment supported by a strong service network.
Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member at Wigan Council and board member of Leigh Sports Village, said: “Leigh Sports Village is home to incredible athletes, champion teams, and has hosted international events, and it is a key community asset for local people. I am delighted that a borough-based business will deliver this upgrade, in line with our community wealth building ambitions to invest in our local economy.”
Leigh Sports Village is now benefitting directly from this proven technology, transitioning from traditional TLS HPS lighting rigs to Rhenac’s advanced LED systems and delivering a 40% reduction in energy, water, and fertiliser use. The upgrade marks a major step forward in aligning with Wigan Council’s sustainability targets and enhancing the long-term performance of the stadium’s playing surfaces.
Keith Porter, Head Groundsman at Leigh Sports Village, explains: “With high-pressure sodium bulbs set to be phased out by 2030 due to their carbon footprint and high running costs, utilising artificial light and heat in photosynthesis has been a game changer. CLS technology offers the additional ability to precisely control conditions for turf needs, so we are looking forward to implementing this in conjunction with Rhenac TLS.
“Thanks to proactive investment, we will significantly reduce our environmental impact, a major win for Leigh Sports Village and our nearby Pennington Flash Nature Reserve. Huge thanks to Wigan Council for their investment.”
Mark Sinnett, Managing Director of TLS, continues: “Leigh Sports Village is a complex, multi-sport venue that also stages major concerts, so it needs a lighting system that’s efficient, adaptable and environmentally responsible.
“With our sensor-driven CLS technology, the turf now receives targeted and efficient treatment, ensuring optimal growth conditions with minimal energy use.
“This precision control, together with innovative LED laminators, delivers significant energy savings while maintaining ideal growing conditions and reducing waste. Combined with independently operated heat panels, the system supports faster, healthier turf recovery all year round. The addition of smaller RML 50 units provides even greater flexibility across the site, ensuring every area performs consistently and aligns perfectly with Wigan Council’s sustainability goals.”
Through this collaboration, Wigan Council and Leigh Sports Village are setting new standards in sustainable sports turf management by bringing global innovation to local sport and supporting Wigan Council’s wider commitment to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2038.
