Ringo Starr's Birthplace Saved: Beatle's Childhood Home Won't Be Demolished

Preservationists and Beatles fans in Liverpool have saved Ringo Starr's birthplace and early childhood home from being demolished, Britain's Telegraph reports. Developers had sought to tear down the three-bedroom terrace house at 9 Madryn St., but the property will instead be renovated and put on the market.

"Ringo Starr's home is a significant beacon of Beatlemania, a bricks and mortar reminder of a hugely important influence on British music," said Grant Shapps, a government housing minister instrumental and warding off the wrecking ball.

"But it's also a lot more than that -- a real example of communities having the power and voice to step in a save the places they treasure most," he added, readying a couple of Fab Four puns. "With the Help! of Liverpool residents we worked it out and Madryn street can be saved for the nation."

Starr, born Richard Starkey, only lived in the Madryn Street home for a short time, and in recent years, the abandoned structure has fallen into disrepair and been covered in graffiti by fans. As per the plan Shapps and Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson announced, the house is among 32 properties that will be refurbished rather than razed, according to ITV.com.

"Today presents a real opportunity for the local community to preserve and protect these properties for the future, but I'm keen that this is just the start," Shapps said.

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