Newcastle Monopoly: Board to feature King Edward Park, Surfest, Nobbys Beach and Hope Estate

The Newcastle version of Monopoly has swapped London for much-loved local landmarks, including Nobbys Beach and the Anzac Memorial Walk on the coveted dark blue squares.

Winning Moves is the global licensee of Monopoly publisher Hasbro and manufactures custom regional editions of the board game.

Its custom games manager Dale Hackett said pre-orders of the Newcastle edition had been so strong the company has started a second print run.

"The only other city that has happened with was Melbourne," Mr Hackett said.

"We've only done major capital cities, so we weren't expecting this from Newcastle.

"We've had pre-orders come in from all over the globe."

The edition features Newcastle, Bar and Merewether beaches; King Edward Park; Blackbutt Reserve; Fort Scratchley; Newcastle Ocean Baths; Darby Street and Hunter Street.

It also showcases local businesses, which the Newcastle Herald understands were asked to provide sponsorship in exchange for inclusion.

Businesses on the board include Greater Bank, Westfield Kotara, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Airport, Timezone, Sand Dune Adventures, Hit 106.9, Triple M, Hunter Valley Gardens, Newcastle Show, Surfest, Customs House, Hope Estate, Newcastle Grammar School, The Lucky Hotel, Beyond Ballooning, Newcastle Museum, plus playing cards Top Trumps.

Newcastle Transport's logo features on the light rail and ferry squares.

A Newcastle Grammar spokesperson said the school was "really proud" to appear on the board.

"It's an iconic thing for Newcastle and we think it [the school] is an icon in the community."

The Herald asked Mr Hackett if businesses paid for inclusion.

"It was all through public response, all communication with the public and the council to see who would be best to be displayed on the board and that's the decision we went with," he said.

"If the community suggested a site should be on the board, we listened to that and we put them on the board."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she understood Winning Moves "approached a lot of people in and around Newcastle around sponsorship".

"Obviously our role in this was really promoting iconic Newcastle destinations and civic and community assets," Cr Nelmes said.

"The Greater Bank has come in obviously with the sponsorship for their square, but it sort of plays into the game really doesn't it, when you've got to go and pay for a loan."

Greater Bank CEO Scott Morgan said it had "partnered" with Winning Moves to feature.

"We saw this is something special to the region and contacted Winning Moves earlier this year to look at opportunities to be part of the Newcastle edition."

Westfield Kotara centre manager Sarah Sylvester said the centre had been "integral to the daily life of Novocastrians for over 50 years".

"It's a place our customers come to gather, socialise and enjoy with their friends and family," she said.

"The opportunity to partner with Winning Moves to be represented in Newcastle's own Monopoly Board is a real privilege and a true demonstration of our connection with the local community."

EARLIER, 11AM

PUBS, beaches, landmarks and even schools and events have made the cut for Newcastle's own Monopoly board.

The Hasbro game spaces were officially revealed on Thursday at a Newcastle Museum launch this morning.

They include Blackbutt Reserve, King Edward Park, Newcastle Show, Surfest, Hunter Valley Gardens, Hope Estate, Goldberg's, Newcastle Grammar School and the ANZAC Memorial Walk.

The full list of properties includes:

. Brown - Blackbutt Sanctuary and King Edward Park

. Light Blue - Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Ocean Baths, Custom House

. Pink - Newcastle Show, Surfest and MacDonald Jones Stadium

. Orange - Hunter Valley Gardens, Hope Estate Winery and Beyond Ballooning

. Red - Westfield Kotara, Goldberg's Café and Hunter Street

. Yellow - Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach and Merewether Beach

. Green - The Lucky Hotel, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Grammar School

. Dark Blue - ANZAC Memorial Walk and Nobby's Beach

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes was the first to pass 'Go' on the Hunter-specific incarnation of the game that hit shelves in 1935 and has since been played in 114 countries and 47 languages.

"Having our very own Newcastle Monopoly game is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our smart, liveable and sustainable global city," Cr Nelmes said.

"I can't wait to take a proper ride around the Newcastle Monopoly board with my family and friends this week."

Winning Moves' Dave Hackett said the Hunter edition would be "everything you love about the traditional board, adapted in a way that Novocastrians will enjoy for generations to come".

A life sized version of the Newcastle board will be on show at Westfield Kotara on Sunday and Monday October 13 and 14 from 10am to 2pm.

The Monopoly man will be roaming the centre on Sunday October 13 from 10am to 2pm.

Newcastle Monopoly will sell for a recommended $60.

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