The Beatles failed an audition at the West Derby mansion

The Lowlands mansion in West Derby, where The Beatles failed an audition, and a police station on Lark Lane in Liverpool, were chosen by the fund.

Both buildings were showing signs of structural decay and local communities welcomed the financial investment.

The fund has also supported Sir Paul McCartney's childhood home and St Georges Hall.

The West Derby Community Association was awarded �975,500 for their plans to restore Lowlands, a grade-II listed Italianate style mansion which was built in 1846.

Ambitious project

It was saved from demolition by a local councillor in the 1930s and was sold to the West Derby Community Association in 1957.

From 1957 to 1966 the basement of Lowlands was home to the Pillar Club. The Beatles, when they were the Quarrymen, famously failed an audition there and George Harrison played there as a 15-year-old.

The building is currently used as a community centre but it is in need of urgent repair and only the lower floors are useable.

Mrs Pat Blair, chair of the West Derby Community Association, said: "The community has backed us all the way in this ambitious project which will see Lowlands returned to its 1890 appearance."

St Michael's and Lark Lane Community Association have been given �268,000 to restore The Old Police Station.

This Liverpool landmark was built in 1885 and served as a police station until 1974 when it was decommissioned.