Christchurch Monopoly launched - but who takes Mayfair top spot?

A CHRISTCHURCH version of Monopoly is to be launched on Monday – giving people something to break the boredom of self-isolation.

Top spot on the board goes to the Priory which takes the place of Mayfair. At the other end of the property scale, Old Kent Road is replaced by Christchurch Castle.

Also featured are the High Street, the Old Town Hall, Constable House, Southbourne Beach and Mudeford Quay.

Many of the chance and community chest cards are Christchurch themed too. Players who stumble on a rare treasure find on Highcliffe Beach get a reward, while fines players for getting stuck in heavy traffic on the High Street are also dealt out.

All the tokens are themed with an ice cream cornet, flip-flops and umbrella taking the place of the traditional Scottie dog, top hat and boot.

Afolabi Omotola, custom games executive at Winning Moves UK – which is producing this game under official license from the Monopoly brand, owned by Hasbro, said: “We are sure this game will put a smile on peoples’ faces and lift spirits in this very challenging and unprecedented period of time.

“This unique and official version of the world’s most famous board game features the great and the good of Christchurch.

"We have been wonderfully spoilt for choice putting the game together and would like to thank everyone who sent in suggestions last year when we went through a public consultation process.”

The game will be on sale at toy and book shops in Christchurch and across Dorset. Ryman, Waterstones and The Works are amongst the stores stocking and it is also available on Amazon.