A property developer has inked a significant agreement with the family-run business of former US President Donald Trump to construct a towering new landmark on the Gold Coast. The proposed development, a 91-storey, six-star hotel, is set to reach an impressive height of 335 metres, which would make it taller than any existing skyscraper in Australia.
Ambitious Plans for Surfers Paradise
David Young, the chief executive of Altus, the developer behind the project, described the building as a landmark property for Surfers Paradise. He expressed hopes that construction could be completed before the 2032 Olympics, although he emphasised that the project is still in the concept phase and far from finalised.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, confirmed the venture, stating, 'Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia.' This marks a notable expansion of the Trump brand into the Australian market.
Regulatory Hurdles and Local Response
The proposal for the site at 3 Trickett St faces several challenges before it can proceed. The Gold Coast City Council has confirmed that no development application has been submitted yet. Acting Gold Coast mayor Mark Hammell issued a statement welcoming investment in the city, noting that such projects display confidence and help drive job creation.
'A formal development application will be required, and we look forward to considering the application once it is received,' Hammell said. He is currently serving as acting mayor while Tom Tate is overseas. A council spokesperson revealed that Tate attended a meeting with the Trump Organization in the US on February 13, indicating prior discussions about the project.
Public Opposition and Project Details
Despite the enthusiasm from developers and some local officials, the project has already sparked significant public backlash. A Change.org petition opposing the development amassed more than 20,000 signatures in just a few hours after the announcement on Monday, highlighting community concerns.
The developer outlined that the tower would follow the same Trump template used for properties currently under construction in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia. According to a project statement, it will feature a 285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo, anchoring the 91-storey development.
Additional amenities include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3400 square metres of premium commercial, retail, and dining space. The aim is to revitalise the central Surfers Paradise precinct, with renders suggesting the inclusion of a private beach area.
As the project moves forward, it will need to navigate both regulatory approvals and public sentiment, setting the stage for a contentious yet potentially transformative addition to the Gold Coast skyline.
