NEWCASTLE’S ‘business village’ features in a new version of iconic board game Monopoly.
Hoults Yard in Byker is included in a new Newcastle and Gateshead edition of the ever-popular game, which also features legendary locations such as the Tyne Bridge, St James’s Park, Eldon Square and Grey’s Monument.
The famous game first went on sale in 1935 and since then many incarnations have been played around the world. Today, Monopoly is the world’s favourite family board game brand and is enjoyed by more than one billion players in 114 countries across the globe.
The latest local version celebrates Tyneside’s history and heritage, arts and culture and shopping centres. Board gamers can spot the likes of wealth management company True Potential and local charities The Alan Shearer Foundation, St Oswald’s Hospice and Newcastle Cat & Dog Shelter, which were all nominated for inclusion earlier this year.
Members of the public were also invited to suggest which Newcastle and Gateshead locations should be included – with 31 landmarks and organisations making it on to the board.
The Tyne Bridge occupies the most sought-after square on the board, traditionally filled by Mayfair, while St James’s Park is available for £350.
A previous Tyneside version of the game was released in 1999 but was discontinued some years ago. This earlier edition had The Glasshouse – then called Sage Gateshead – on the board’s top square.
Charlie Hoult, MD at Hyhubs which owns and runs Hoults Yard – as well as Hypoint in Gateshead and Haylofts in Newcastle city centre, said: “We’re chuffed to be seen as part of the Toon and that we’re championing Byker on the board. I loved Monopoly as a kid so it’s a real thrill that we’re now part of the Monopoly phenomenon, and that generations of families will be ‘landing’ on Hoults Yard in the years to come.
“We’ve already had loads of requests from people wanting to buy this latest edition – obviously it will make a fantastic Christmas present.”
The Hoults Yard square features the much-loved Cake Stories Clock Tower, which is at the heart of the Yard.
The Monopoly: Newcastle & Gateshead Edition is on sale now from WHSmith, Waterstones and online outlets including Amazon.