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Could Neverland become a music school?
By CMU Editorial | Published on Monday 20 December 2010
The LA-based finance firm which controls the Neverland Ranch in California is considering proposals to turn Michael Jackson’s former home into a college for young musicians, according to TMZ.com.
Colony Capital are the key shareholders in the Sycamore Valley Ranch Company, which has owned the Neverland property since 2008. Michael Jackson was also a shareholder in the company, as part of a deal with Colony designed to fight off the late king of pop’s then mounting debt problems, so presumably his estate still has an interest in it, though the exact details regarding the ownership of the site are not known.
Since Jackson’s death there has been much speculation regarding the future of the ranch. There was talk of setting up a Graceland-style memorial and tourist attraction, with initial speculation that the late singer may be buried there. More recently there were rumours that the now cash rich Jackson estate might buy the property back for the singer’s children.
The latest plans, according to TMZ, would see the site turned into a music institute similar to New York’s Julliard School, teaching teenagers all aspects of music making, including songwriting and performing. It is thought the new school would want to use the Michael Jackson name so, even if the singer’s estate does not have any controlling influence over the future of the Neverland site itself, their approval would still be required for the educational institute to go ahead. Though a source connected with the estate told TMZ: “It’s an interesting idea and we’d be open to it”.
Santa Barbara officials would also have to approve the proposals. The owners of neighbouring properties have previously raised concerns about any Neverland projects that might result in a significant increase of traffic to the site.
