LEAMINGTON has put itself squarely on the Monopoly map.
The town’s very own edition of the popular board game was launched at Leamington College on Thursday (October 26).
Over 30 Leamington landmarks feature on the board and the game is themed in sets from heritage to tourism, shopping to entertainment.
The four train stations from the classic Monopoly original proved a challenge for the makers as the town only has one main-line station. In the end, the quartet of Monopoly prime estate take on a travel theme.
The Royal Pump Rooms get to land in the top ranking set, while the Queen Victoria Statue takes up occupancy on ‘Old Kent Road’, at the other end of the board. Inbetween are the “great and good” of the Regency town including the Royal Spa Centre, The Parade, Leamington College and the town hall.
Leamington mayor Alan Boad, said: “Leamington is steeped with history having been declared ‘Royal’ by Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1838. Our town is famous for its fabulous Regency architecture and outstanding parks. The Royal Pump Rooms was a centre for its mineral springs bringing people far and wide to take its waters. It became a fashionable watering place in late Georgian England and is still a building of beauty today.
“I’m delighted with the national recognition Monopoly is bestowing, with us beating off other very worthy towns to land our own official game, Putting the town, I proudly serve, Leamington, squarely on the Monopoly map.”
Three charities also get to ‘Pass Go’. They are Myton Hospices, Helping Hands and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Leamington’s bustling Regent Street appears on the Bow Street square from the classic London Monopoly original game, in the orange section of the board. There is a Regent Street in the famous London original but in this edition it is North Leamington School which gets to feature on it, in the green section of the board which takes on an education theme.
The launch of the game took place at Leamington College, which is part of college group WCG (Warwickshire College Group).
Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the unveiling of the new official Leamington Monopoly board at Leamington College.
“The college is at the heart of the community in Leamington and the perfect setting to host an event celebrating the organisations and locations which make this vibrant town great.
“It’s fantastic that Leamington has been selected to be the latest town to feature on what is a truly iconic board game, and we’re thrilled to have a spot on the board.”
