More on KentOnline
Home Tunbridge Wells News Article
One Kent town launched its own monopoly game today.
It's been seven months since the announcement that Tunbridge Wells was set to get its own version of the hit game, and now fans can buy it.
An official launch took place at The Pantiles this morning.
The town saw off fellow royal cities, including Leamington Spa and Windsor, to win a vote.
Around 30 landmarks replace famous Monopoly addresses, as voted for by residents.
Mayfair and Park Lane become the Pantiles and jewellers G Collins & Sons while Calverley Grounds takes the place of Old Kent Road as the cheapest spot on the board.
Kmfm is also featured, with its place on a community chest square.
Robert Osborne, Monopoly Executive at Winning Moves UK, said: "Everyone was so excited about it, we just said 'how can we not to do it?' Royal Tunbridge Wells just makes complete sense for us.
"As for board highlights, you're looking at things like The Spa Hotel, with lots of history and heritage, The Pantiles which the town is famous for, things like Trinity Theatre, the Assembly Hall Theatre, the High Street - it's all the things people know and love and that's what's important for us."
He said Monopoly was open to ideas for boards showcasing other Kent towns.
Canterbury gained its own edition in 2014, although bosses were left red-faced after accidentally using a picture of Rochester Castle in the game.
Fortunately there were no such gaffes with the Tunbridge Wells edition.
Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, cllr Julia Soyke, who attended the launch, said: "I think it is fabulous. It raises the profile of Tunbridge Wells even higher than it already was - having recently been voted fifth happiest town in the UK.
"I hope it will help with tourism and that people will regard it as a very good souvenir to take home."
Gavin Tyler, managing partner of law firm Cripps who are sponsoring the game, said: “Since the announcement earlier this year, I’ve been looking forward to the launch of Royal Tunbridge Wells edition of Monopoly.
"Seeing all the iconic places, attractions and business of the town brought together on the board reinforces all the reasons that Cripps views Tunbridge Wells as such a great home for our business. It’s a tangible celebration of the town we work and live in.”