The Trump Organization has agreed to develop its first major skyscraper in Australia, marking a significant expansion of the Trump brand into the Asia-Pacific region. The deal, officially signed earlier this month at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, will see a A$1.5 billion (US$1.06 billion) Trump-branded tower built on Queensland’s Gold Coast, potentially reshaping the city’s skyline and luxury property market.
The tower, to be known as Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast, is planned as a 91-storey mixed-use development in Surfers Paradise. At approximately 340 metres high, it would surpass Australia’s current tallest residential tower and become the tallest building in the country once completed. The project will combine a six-star resort hotel, high-end residential apartments, retail and dining spaces, a beach club and luxury amenities, designed to appeal to affluent domestic and international buyers and visitors.
Local developer Altus Property Group, which is partnering with the Trump Organization on the project, said the deal had been years in the making. Altus chief executive David Young said he first floated the idea nearly two decades ago and had sought out Trump family involvement as far back as 2007. He described the development as aiming to set a new standard for luxury on the Gold Coast, pushing beyond current offerings with world-class design and services.
The planned skyscraper will include several hundred luxury residences, many expected to be marketed at premium prices beginning around A$5 million, alongside upscale hotel rooms and expansive communal spaces. Retail and hospitality elements on the lower floors will feature restaurants, bars and boutiques tailored to high-end tastes, while exclusive services such as private beach club access are anticipated to attract wealthy clientele.
Officials from both the Trump Organization and Altus stressed that, although the Trump brand will be prominent, the development will be Australian-owned and built, and construction will rely on local builders and suppliers. The deal has drawn interest in the real estate and tourism sectors, with supporters saying it could boost the regional economy and create jobs during both construction and operation phases.
Before construction can begin in earnest, however, the project must obtain key planning approvals from local authorities, including a formal development application. Developers are preparing submissions to meet these requirements, signalling the next stage of the process. If the approvals proceed smoothly, construction could begin later this year, with completion targeted ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, adding another high-profile global event to the region’s calendar.
The announcement reflects the Trump Organization’s ongoing strategy of expanding its global footprint in luxury real estate, following projects in other international markets. For the Gold Coast, the arrival of a Trump-branded skyscraper represents both an architectural milestone and a significant moment in Australia’s commercial property landscape.
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