By Paul Millar
BELFAST is to get its very own Monopoly board – and top-hatted officials are out to determine what landmarks the public wants to see on the game.London Monopoly chiefs joined Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers on Belfast’s big wheel for the announcement of the new-look boardgame.The Belfast edition of the much-loved boardgame will be played in exactly the same way as the traditional game. However, the 33 London streets and sights will be replaced by Belfast’s finest features which will be reflected by what the public wants.
The game is being produced by Winning Moves UK. The company’s commercial director, Mark Marriott, said: “The spirit and shape of the board will be identical to the original game with colours, prices and rules the same.
“The only difference – and a huge fun difference it is – is that the street names will take on a Belfast feel and flavour. The board will reflect the views of the Belfast public and email vote lines have been set up and will be open until midnight on April 30.
“The game will then be put together and go into production in the autumn.”
Mr Marriott said he expected landmarks such as the big wheel, the City Hall and Queen’s University to feature alongside Victoria Square. A team of Monopoly men and women took to the streets to ask the public for their suggestions.
Saying he was “delighted” to hear Belfast was getting it’s own Monopoly board, Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said: “I believe it won’t be so much a case for the Monopoly makers of what to put on but what to leave off as the city is blessed with so many fine landmarks and buildings.”
Tourist hotspots and sports institutions will also feature on the customised board. The manufacturers also want to hear suggestions about which buildings should make the top spots, in particular the Mayfair square.
Emails with suggestions on what should feature on the board can be sent to belfast@winningmoves.co.uk
