LEGENDARY MERSEYSIDE BEATLES VENUE GOES UP FOR AUCTION

Birkenhead’s former Majestic Ballroom, where the Beatles made the first performance of their debut single Love Me Do and played more than 15 concerts in the 1960s, is due to be sold at auction next month. Built as a cinema in 1916 and most recently used as a Chinese restaurant, the property’s glory days were in the 1960s when it became a dance hall and music venue at the centre of the Liverpool and Merseyside music scene.

Between 1961 and 1963, the Beatles appeared no fewer than 17 times at the Majestic Ballroom, which was then owned by the Top Rank entertainment group. At one sell-out appearance the crowd was so large that a further two shows had to be arranged to accommodate disappointed fans who had been unable to get tickets.

The venue was also the site of Cilla Black’s first, unsuccessful, audition for Brian Epstein and the backdrop to gigs by the Rolling Stones, the Searchers and many others. The iconic 10,000 sq ft property is due to go under the hammer at Pugh’s next North West property auction, in Manchester on 5 December, with a guide price of £175,000. Pugh managing director Paul Thompson said: “It’s a privilege to be auctioning a property which gained legendary status in a decade that was ground-breaking for the music scene in Liverpool, and when the city was propelled on to the world stage.

“This is an exciting time for Birkenhead, with £1bn of regeneration at key Wirral development sites including Birkenhead town centre announced by the council just last month.“With the relevant planning consent, the Majestic Ballroom could be redeveloped for a variety of leisure uses as it’s in a great central location, close to the main shopping and entertainment area of town. It would be fantastic if we could see the building restored to its former glory.”

Established 25 years ago, Pugh was acquired by property consultant Eddisons last year and now has a team of 36 staff. The firm sold £100m of property at auction in 2016. Pugh’s North West auction will be held in Manchester at the AJ Bell Stadium on 5 December. The firm’s Yorkshire and North East auction will be held at Leeds United’s Elland Road Stadium on 7 December.

The full catalogue is available to view at http://www.pugh-auctions.com