Bosses of the world’s most famous board game have so fallen in love with High Wycombe that they’ve announced it has landed the honour of its very own official MONOPOLY game – after seeing off 24 other places across the globe…
Discussing the announcement, MONOPOLY boss Afolabi Omotola said. “West Wycombe Park is one of the finest National Trust properties attracting tourists from all over the world. And the Listed Guildhall in the heart of High Wycombe is a stand-out crown jewel. We are absolutely sure we are going to be absolutely spoilt for choice producing this edition.”
Each year the MONOPOLY dice roll on a new place – over the last two years it has been Palm Springs in leafy Riverside County, California and The Hamptons in New York state – and High Wycombe has beaten a shortlist of 24 other places from across the world.
Bosses at London-based games company Winning Moves, who are producing the game under licensing from Hasbro, say a variety of factors were used in selecting the winning place. These include: ‘Pride’ ; ‘Beauty’ and ‘Sense of Community’.
Jocelyn Towns, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration, says:
“We are delighted to have High Wycombe celebrated in this way! This town offers such a rich variety of culture and community spirit, from a preserved medieval High Street with its famous market to the wonderful Swan Theatre, as well as a fantastic array of shops and restaurants.
“To be honoured by MONOPOLY in this way is such a huge compliment to our lovely town, it will really put High Wycombe on the map, and remind people what a fabulous town and heritage we boast here”.
Melanie Williams, Chief Executive of High Wycombe BID, adds:
“We couldn’t be more excited to hear this great news for High Wycombe and are delighted to have won the opportunity to be part of the MONOPOLY family.
“We are fortunate to have so many beautiful buildings, green spaces, excellent schools and shopping areas that the MONOPOLY makers will be spoilt for choice.
“As the public consult on the make-up of the game we encourage them to visit mywycombe.com to learn more about High Wycombe’s fabulous heritage and source places that could be included in the game.”
A public consultation period lasting two weeks will get underway from Monday. The public is being invited to suggest local landmarks to be showcased in the game.
The board will see High Wycombe themed property squares and Chance and Community Chest cards. Leading favourites from the town likely to be tipped to feature include The Guildhall, the Blue Clock in the town centre, the iconic Red Lion Statue, The Swan Theatre and Adams Park Stadium.
The property sets will be themed around different genres. From shopping to sport, the arts to leisure – and lots more including a travel set on the four MONOPOLY train stations. That’s because High Wycombe doesn’t have a multitude of main line stations to select from like in the London MONOPOLY original.
The Chance and Community Chest cards are being customised too. One may send players back three spaces for littering at the National Trust’s stunning West Wycombe Park.
“Everything is up for grabs, “ adds Mr Omotola. “We shall be delighted to hear from all of the great High Wycombe public.
The game will hit the shops this October (2022) – in time for Christmas – but before it goes into production the public is being invited to suggest High Wycombe landmarks and cards to feature in the game, by either of these two ways: 1. By email to: wycombe@winningmoves.co.uk . 2 Via the official High Wycombe MONOPOLY Facebook page here. Polling starts at 10am on Monday 14th February and closes at 23.59pm on 28thFebruary.
What did you think about the reaction to yesterday’s announcement? Read more about the launch below.
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Part-funding for our Valentine’s Day activities have been provided by Buckinghamshire Council through the European Regional Development Fund – namely the ‘Welcome Back Fund. The WBF is helping fund events and animations across the County to encourage people back to our towns and high streets.
