Why it matters: The new board represents a fresh snapshot of Ipswich for a new generation, reflecting how the town has evolved over nearly two decades, with landmarks spanning Anglo-Saxon heritage sites to modern regeneration projects.
The details: The board was launched at 10:00 this morning at Ipswich Town Hall by Winning Moves UK, an official Monopoly maker producing the game under licence from Hasbro.
Ipswich landmarks featured on the board include Ipswich Waterfront, Christchurch Mansion, the Town Hall and Cornhill, Regent Theatre, Portman Road, and the Orwell Bridge. Ipswich's parks occupy the four spaces usually occupied by rail stations.
Organisations include the University of Suffolk, Honey + Harvey, Ipswich School, Coes, the Buttermarket and BT.
The game includes bespoke Chance and Community Chest cards, with one docking players money for landing unlawfully on the waterfront, whilst another card sends players on a shopping spree at Coes, who also feature on the board.
Community recognition: When it was announced earlier this year that Ipswich would get a new Monopoly edition, the public was invited to send in suggestions for landmarks and community organisations to feature on the board.
Ipswich.co.uk occupies one of three Community Chest spaces, with Lighthouse Women's Aid and Suffolk Mind filling the other two. All organisations were formally presented with a game at the launch by the Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr Stefan Long, and Mr Monopoly.
A poetic tribute to Ipswich: Two competition winners, Lilly Rose and Ben Riley, were presented with the first and second boards off the production line after winning a poem competition about Ipswich.
What they're saying: Ben Ladd Gibbon, partnership manager at Winning Moves UK, said: "This is a new game for a new generation. We've been wonderfully spoilt for choice putting this board together. We would like to thank everyone who sent in suggestions during our public consultation period."
Ipswich.co.uk founder and editor Oliver Rouane-Williams said: "We're incredibly proud that our work in the community and commitment to this town has been recognised at such an early stage in our journey. To feature alongside such iconic Ipswich landmarks and incredible organisations is a real honour and reflects the fantastic support we've received from the town since we launched last summer."
The large game board displayed at the event will take pride of place on the wall of the publication's high street newsroom when it opens next year.
Aaron Skerritt, managing director of Honey + Harvey, said: "We are incredibly proud to be part of the Ipswich community. For us, it's not just about great coffee and food — it's about building meaningful relationships with our customers, partners and local suppliers. Being included in the Ipswich Monopoly board is an exciting opportunity that reflects our commitment to the town and the partnerships that make it special. We're here to play a long-term role in helping Ipswich continue to grow and thrive."
What's next: The Monopoly: Ipswich Edition is available from today in-store at Waterstones and TGJones (formerly WH Smith), and online at Amazon, winningmoves.co.uk and booghe.co.uk.
The bottom line: Nineteen years on from the first edition, a new generation of Ipswich residents can now play their way around a board that reflects the town they know today, from the Waterfront's modern regeneration to Christchurch Mansion's timeless charm.
