14 DAY TRIAL // Neverland, the place where the late King of Pop spent so many happy hours and to which he refused to return after the trials that ruined his career and reputation, has been restored to its former glory – and will be turned into a music institute.
TMZ has learned that the former house of Michael Jackson has been reconditioned and restored to how it was when he still lived there – and owners have serious plans for it.
Instead of turning into a museum, they will turn it into something that Michael himself would be proud of: a music institute, which will help upcoming artists of all ages and means hone their skills.
“TMZ has learned Colony Capital wants to develop a business plan to turn Neverland into a small music institute – similar to The Juilliard School in NYC. The plan is to teach teens all aspects of music, including writing and performing,” TMZ reports.
The project will probably be co-founded by the Michael Jackson Estate, which is reportedly very interested in having Michael’s name used for such a noble purpose.
“Colony wants to turn the property into a campus, in which scores of teenagers – rich and poor – can learn the trade that made Michael Jackson a legend,” the report says.
“There are two big stumbling blocks. The first is making sure Santa Barbara County will sign off on such a project,” TMZ notes. No word yet on that.
“The second – and bigger issue – is whether Colony Capital can use Michael Jackson’s name to promote such an institute,” TMZ says.
That shouldn’t be so difficult, the e-zine goes on to note: sources close to the Michael Jackson Estate are saying they’re interested in coming on board the project.
“It’s an interesting idea and we’d be open to it,” one such source explains for the aforementioned media outlet.
Earlier this year, word got out that Michael’s three children wanted to buy back Neverland when they came of age or through a legal rep, and move back in.