Leigh Sports Village Company today announced that it has awarded the catering contract for the new 10,000-seat sports village stadium to Event Management Catering (EMC) Ltd.

EMC will be responsible for all hospitality and public catering on match days, in addition to developing a vibrant non-match day event business at the stadium.

Currently operating stadium contracts across the North of England including Hull’s KC Stadium and the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield, EMC fought off stiff competition to win the five-year contract.

Steve Jones, chairman of Leigh Sports Village Company, which was set up to manage the stadium and facilities at the £83 million sports village, said: “There was a lot of high quality interest in the contract, and we are pleased to be working with EMC who have considerable experience in this field.

“We are determined to provide the best possible facilities for everyone who visits the stadium.”

Adrian Hunter, director of EMC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded such a prestigious contract and look forward to working closely with all parties to develop a true community facility for the people of Leigh.

“Throughout the tendering process, we have been greatly impressed with the drive and ambition at the stadium and are eagerly awaiting its opening.”

EMC are now looking to make the most of the potential facilities within the new development. Sarah McAllister, EMC Group Sales Manager said: “We shall be developing our own calendar of events and have a new and unique party theme for Christmas 2008 which will be launched later in the year.

“We are already taking enquiries and will be speaking with event organisers throughout the next 12 months to offer a bespoke service.”

Adrian Hunter said the company’s recruitment process would start shortly. He added; “We are looking to secure a number of key personnel to support the stadium operation on both match days and non match days. This will be a talented management team at the forefront of our business in Leigh.”

For all enquiries please email sarah.mcallister@eventmanagementcatering.com