Inside Trump Organization's 340-metre Gold Coast Tower Plan
US President Donald Trump’s company has confirmed plans for a luxury skyscraper in Australia, which is projected to become the country's tallest building.
The Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast, will reach a height of 340 metres (1,113ft), making it significantly taller than the Shard in London.
Construction of the 91-storey tower is scheduled to begin in August, according to the project's developer, Altus Property Group.
The development is expected to cost approximately US$1.5bn, featuring 285 hotel rooms, 272 luxury residential apartments and high-end retail spaces along the Surfers Paradise beachfront.
World's pre-eminent luxury resort brand
Altus chief executive David Young confirmed he signed the deal with the Trump Organization at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on February 14
"At 340 metres in height and 91 storeys, it will outstretch the Australia 108 building in Melbourne by 15 metres and leave every other Australian resort property in its wake when it comes to luxury," he said.
David said that the project is currently in a rigorous process of design, engineering, and fit-out. The tower, located at 3 Trickett Street, will include a six-star resort, a beach club, and restaurants spanning the first five floors.
Legacy of high-end real estate
The Trump Organization is a global private real estate conglomerate founded in 1923 as Elizabeth Trump & Son.
Originally focused on residential apartment construction in New York City, the firm evolved significantly under Donald Trump’s leadership after he assumed control in 1971
Over the following decades, it expanded into an international portfolio including luxury hotels, golf courses and commercial towers. Although the President stepped down from active management in 2017 to avoid conflicts of interest, the organisation continues to grow its international footprint, frequently using a design-led licensing model to enter high-growth markets.
Modern high-end fit-out package
Addressing perceptions of the brand, David emphasised that the new project would avoid outdated aesthetic choices. "The modern Trump package is high-end design and fit-outs, with a premium feel," he said.
David said that gaudy gold-plated fixtures associated with the 1980s have been replaced by a "Trump design manual" that focuses on contemporary excellence.
This manual aligns the Gold Coast project with other luxury towers currently being developed in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Residential apartments in the Surfers Paradise tower are expected to start at a price point of US$5m.
Competition for Australia’s tallest building
Despite the ambitious height, the project already faces competition for the title of Australia’s tallest building. Plans are currently under way for a 393-metre, 101-storey tower in Southport, which would stand 53 metres taller than the Trump proposal.
Additionally, the One Park Lane project is expected to begin construction later this year. Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said Altus would need to submit a new formal development application for the Trump Tower.
"We welcome investment in the city. It shows confidence in our city and ultimately creates jobs," he said.
Prestige and allure of luxury
The project represents a long-term ambition for the developer, which first proposed the idea to Ivanka Trump nearly two decades ago
David said that the tower would bring the "prestige and allure" of the world-class brand to the region. Eric Trump, the Trump Organization’s executive vice president, said the project would introduce an unparalleled level of world-class luxury to the country.
The site has been vacant for more than a decade, having previously been sold to a consortium for US$56mn in 2019.
