Trump Tower Proposed for Gold Coast Could Set New Height Record in Australia
A new Trump Tower is in the planning stages for the Gold Coast, and if approved, it would become Australia's tallest building. The Queensland developer Altus Property Group announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with the Trump Organisation, which is run by the family of former US President Donald Trump, to construct a branded six-star hotel and residential tower in Surfers Paradise.
At 340 meters in height and 91 stories, this development would surpass the 'Australia 108' building in Melbourne by 15 meters, according to Altus chief executive David Young. He emphasized that it would leave every other Australian resort property behind in terms of luxury and scale.
Details of the Proposed Development
Planned for 3 Trickett Street, on the inland side of The Esplanade, the project would include 285 hotel rooms, 272 residences, and retail and dining spaces. Young stated that the first Trump-branded hotel in Australia is expected to cost just under $1.5 billion.
Altus has released artist's impressions of the tower, showcasing the resort overlooking the beachfront. The apartments are anticipated to be premium-priced, with prices likely starting at around $5 million.
Background and Economic Impact
Young revealed that the agreement was signed on February 14, nearly two decades after he first cold-called Ivanka Trump about bringing the Trump brand to Australia. He expressed excitement among his employees at Altus Property Group about building this iconic six-star resort in the sky, highlighting its potential benefits for Queensland tourism and the Australian economy.
The company plans to employ at least 500 people during construction and another 500 once the building is operational, Young added. He noted that while the Trump International Hotel and Tower Gold Coast will be Australian-owned and Australian-built, its financing model will open up global networks of private capital, benefiting Australian entrepreneurs and companies.
Design and Global Context
The design of the tower will follow the same Trump design manual used for properties currently under construction in Saudi Arabia and soon to be built in the United Arab Emirates. There are currently 139 Trump-branded resorts and towers around the world, adding to the global portfolio.
Regulatory Hurdles and Local Response
However, the proposal is not yet finalized. The Gold Coast City Council has indicated that a development application has not been received. Acting mayor Mark Hammell stated in a release that the Gold Coast welcomes investment in the city, as it demonstrates confidence and helps create jobs.
A formal development application will be required, and the council looks forward to considering it once submitted, Hammell said. This step is crucial for the project to move forward and potentially reshape the skyline of Surfers Paradise.
