Fans of late pop great Michael Jackson might soon have a place to visit in order to honour the late “Thriller” star. Yesterday the King of Pop’s father, Joe Jackson, announced plans for a AUS$359 million museum and arts centre to be built in Jackson’s hometown: Gary, Indiana.

Work on the project will, Jackson said, hopefully begin in 2011. Jackson revealed that his famous son had visited the city back in 2003 to discuss the project, later picking up the conversation once again early last year, before his sudden death in late June 2009.

“This is a happy day for me because this is something that my family and Michael have always wanted,” Joe Jackson told reporters at a news conference in Gary, insisting he’s just hoping to continue his son’s plans for his own legacy. “We’re bringing something back.”

According to mayor of the city, Rudy Clay, the new construction would create thousands of jobs and possibly bring in over 750,000 visitors a year to the city – generating between $120 million to $180 million in income. “This project will be the magnet that will draw people from all over the world,” Clay announced, the city donating 121 hectares of land to the deal.

The new project will house the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel, as well as the Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center. Investors are, said Jackson, currently being sought.