The Dry Dock is being demolished

The Dry Dock, a beloved drinking spot for many a Leicester student, is being demolished under new plans put in place by the university.

This comes as a result of the university's £500 million plan to expand Freeman's Common and the university in general over the stretch of a 10 year period, resulting in the construction of 900 rooms on the site which will range from between four and fifteen stories high as well as the upgrading of the current car park from 320 spaces to around 550.

Additionally, the large areas of Freeman's Common that are wooded will have to be felled, with up to 70 per cent of the trees giving way. The listed properties associated with Freeman's Common will be restored as part of the development.

With Freeman's common being one of the more outdated parts of the uni's current areas of accommodation, it is understandable to see the reasoning behind such a move. Brita Sread, director of estates and campus services at the university, commented that "we're committed to improving the quality of experience for all those who use our facilities be they students, staff or the public".

But at what cost does this expansion of the uni come? As a hugely popular pub for years and years, both with university students as well as supporters of the Tigers and Leicester football club, there is no doubt that it will be surely missed. Whether it be the many socials held at the dock, the pre-drinks before a big night out at the o2 or even just stumbling up there on a Saturday morning after a rough night and ordering an all day breakfast. The multi screen set up alone in there is the stuff of legend and it will be difficult to replace.

So many drunken memories

In response, many Leicester students have spoken of their fond memories of the legendary pub over the years. Fin Bracken, a third year history student, had this to say: " The Dry dock has been my second home for the three years I've been here, some of my best moments have been reenacting titanic whilst drunk on the top".

One disgruntled third year even went as far as to say he would "be chaining himself to the hull of the boat in protest".

More iconic than Leo on the Titanic

No matter what side of the debate you are on, The Dry Dock has been a main fixture of the university and has touched the lives of so many alcoholics and members of the public alike. In my opinion, the boat should be placed in Victoria Park in memory of the great institution which has probably been visited more times than the library itself. You will be missed.