Warwick has missed out on the chance to land its very own version of Monopoly, with neighbouring Leamington Spa set to be the board game's next location.

Monopoly: Royal Leamington Spa Edition was launched on Friday (March 10) after the town won a West Midlands 'beauty contest' to be selected.

Leamington Spa has come out top in a 10-strong region wide shortlist to secure its own board beating - among others - Warwick, Solihull, Gloucester and Telford.

Leamington's celebrated Royal Pump Rooms are expected to be either the game's top ranked square 'Mayfair' or the 'Water Works' location.

But the public will get to decide and shape the board, with a consultation period lasting two weeks, which will get underway immediately upon this week's announcement.

Bosses at London-based games company Winning Moves UK, who are producing the game under licensing from Hasbro, say a variety of factors were used in selecting Royal Leamington Spa from the shortlist.

Ella Gibbs, custom games executive at Winning Moves UK, said: "Royal Leamington Spa has a plethora of leading landmarks to fill the board.

"We expect to be wonderfully spoiled for choice putting this game together."

The Chance and Community Chest cards are being customised for the new game too and the sets will be themed in genres.

From heritage to tourism, the arts to business, shopping to leisure – and lots more, including a 'travel' set replacing the four railway stations as Leamington does not have enough stations to fill all the spots.

Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Cllr Nick Wilkins, added: "Royal Leamington Spa is steeped with history having been made 'Royal' by Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1838.

"Our town is famous for its fabulous Regency architecture and outstanding parks.

"The Royal Pump Rooms was a centre for its mineral springs bringing people far and wide to take its waters. It became a fashionable watering place in late Georgian England and is still a building of beauty today.

"I'm delighted with the national recognition MONOPOLY has bestowed on us, with us beating off other very worthy towns. Putting the town, I proudly serve, Royal Leamington Spa, squarely on the Monopoly map!"  

The game will hit the shops this October in time for Christmas 2023.

But before it goes into production the public is being invited to suggest Royal Leamington Spa landmarks and cards to feature in the game, by email to: [email protected] or Via the official Royal Leamington Spa MONOPOLY Facebook page.

Suggestions are invited until 23.59pm on 23 March 2023.