LIVERPOOL, England, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- A Liverpool, England, club where the Beatles played their first gig has been given Grade II listed building status and will be protected from redevelopment.
The Casbah Coffee Club would be listed as a building of special interest due to its small role in the city's history, the BBC reported.
The converted coal cellar was where John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison played in 1959 as "The Quarrymen." The group later signed on drummer Ringo Starr and became on of the most important bands in rock history.
Grade II status refers to a building or other structure officially designated as having a special architectural, historical or cultural significance. It is a widely used status in the United Kingdom and has been applied to around 500,000 buildings.
A listed building may not be demolished, extended or altered without special permission from the local planning authority. Owners are legally compelled to repair and maintain the building.
