14 Oct 2024
Today marks the launch of the long-awaited St Albans edition of perennial family favourite Monopoly, and we can reveal what local landmarks feature on the board.
St Albans Cathedral replaces Mayfair from the classic London original, joined in the top set by the iconic Clock Tower instead of Park Lane.
At the other end of the board, replacing Old Kent Road, the game’s most affordable square, is the Roman Theatre. This, say the game’s makers, is on account of it being “so very old”.
In between are the great and good of the city including St Albans Market, the Odyssey Cinema and Verulamium Park, with the St Albans Times occupying one of the Community Chest spaces.
Editor Matt Adams said: “Community is at the heart of everything we do at the St Albans Times, so we are honoured to be represented on the Community Chest slot.”
“We have been absolutely spoilt with choices when putting this Monopoly board together,” said Ella Gibbs, custom games executive at Winning Moves UK, who produced this edition under licence from Hasbro.
“We produce official Monopoly games based on places all over the world, including in recent years Palm Beach, Dubai, Phuket and The Hamptons. Now St Albans has joined the world’s Monopoly elite!”
The board is themed in sets from tourism to heritage, shopping to leisure and more – all to reflect the history and vibrancy of the city.
The Mayor of St Albans City and District, Cllr Jamie Day, says: “It is wonderful to see the historic city of St Albans celebrated as an official game of MONOPOLY”.
The Odyssey Cinema gets to land a double – it features on a yellow square heading up a ‘leisure’ set of three and is also hosting launch event.
Bethany Nicholson, front of house manager at The Odyssey Cinema, said: “We are thrilled to be featured, as well as be the chosen launch venue, for the new St Albans Monopoly board.
“The Odyssey Cinema is a magnificent 426-seat venue nestled in a beautifully restored art deco building in the heart of St Albans. Our cinematic gem has revived the spirit of movie-going in the city following a near ten-year hiatus, bringing everyone together – just like Monopoly!
“We can’t wait to share this moment with other featured organisations and charities from St. Albans.”
As there are not four main-line St Albans train stations to fill the quartet of train station spots, that part of the board has been handed over to famous streets. The quartet of streets that appear are St Michael’s Street, St Peters Street, Fishpool Street and George Street.
Two charities feature in the game as well, following a nominations process earlier in the year. The charities are Youth Talk and the OLLIE Foundation, whose CEO Debi Roberts says: “Being featured on the new Monopoly: St Albans Edition board is more than just landing on a square. It is an opportunity for us to land our message of hope and support in every home. This nomination means so much to us and recognises our community’s dedication to our charity. Together, we’re building a community where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
