RIP to a legend: These are our three favourite tales of Owens Park tower

Built in 1965, Owens Park is a place of legend. Housing people like Jack Whitehall and Benedict Cumberbatch in its infamous tower, it does feel like a core piece of Fallowfield is leaving with its current demolition. The decision to close the lovely eyesore was made in 2013 but only now has the tower started to shrink, with each removal of the floor slowly getting rid of a piece of Fallowfield history.

Whilst its probably a good idea, considering the discovery of asbestos in the tower, you can’t help but feel a little mournful. A Facebook page was even made by old Owens Park residents to “Save our Tower.”

The University’s plan is to revamp the Fallowfield campus and hopefully help ease the student bed shortage by adding another 950 beds. Although the tower will soon be gone, (in early 2025 according to The University of Manchester) and be replaced with new sleek accommodation fitted with sofas and en-suite, its stories will remain in our heart forever.

1. Big old party

The OP BOP, held every Friday, started in the mid-eighties through to 2009 and was a night full of silliness. Held in the entertainment block, there was a weekly theme from Western to dead celebrities.

It served some familiar favourites such as the Green Monster, now a firm favourite at Squirrels, as well as 50p shots. It’s been compared to a school disco, just with alcohol, which I think is everyone’s ideal night out.

2. THE drinking game

Being 61m high and having 19 floors, the Tower is a very noticeable site in the Fallowfield skyline. And, due to some student’s creativity, became a great opportunity for a pretty rough drinking game.

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Players had to down a shot of spirit every floor, or until you drop. Its probably a good thing that this game is coming to an end, as it probably ended in a very messy night, both in the real and drunk sense.

3. The squatter

My personal favourite story came from a 2019 Owens Park resident, and it is quite the tale. After months of food being stolen, fingers being pointed, and multiple passive aggressive messages on the flat group chat, an unknown man appeared in this Owens Park kitchen after a night out.

After double checking that no one brought anyone home from the night out, there were some questions. He claimed he lived in the flat and after some probing, they found out that he had been living in their cloakroom. This tale ends with the actual flatmates storming the kitchen to force him out, and he left holding a pot of pasta. Only in Owens Park.