Australia has approved the Trump Organization’s plan for the country’s tallest skyscraper, a 91-story luxury tower to be built in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. The project, named Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast, will be developed in partnership with Australian property group Altus and is expected to be the tallest building in the nation when completed.

Project Details and Developer Comments

The tower will feature a six-star resort-style hotel with approximately 285 rooms, 270 luxury residential apartments, a private beach club, and retail and dining spaces. Altus CEO David Young described the development as a modern interpretation of the Trump brand, emphasizing high-end design and quality rather than the more ostentatious features associated with older Trump properties.

Eric Trump, the president’s son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said the project represents an “unwavering commitment” to global luxury experiences. “This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service,” he said in a news release.

The agreement between Altus and the Trump Organization was signed on February 14 at the Trump family’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Young noted that the project had been in development for nearly two decades, with the final deal reached after extensive negotiations.

Design and Approval Process

The Gold Coast Council has already approved a 89-story tower for the site, but the current plan calls for a 91-story building. Acting Gold Coast Mayor Mark Hammel stated that Altus would need to submit a new development application for the taller structure.

Young addressed concerns about the Trump brand’s reputation, saying that the project would not feature the “gaudy” elements often associated with older Trump properties. He clarified that the “file footage” seen by Australians was from the 1980s and 1990s, not reflective of current design standards.

“The modern Trump package is high-end design and fit-outs, with a premium feel,” Young said, emphasizing the focus on sophistication and quality in the new development.

Market and Community Impact

The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast, including job creation during the construction phase and long-term economic activity from the hotel, residential, and retail components. Young estimated that apartment prices would start at around 5 million Australian dollars, a figure that could influence the local real estate market.

The Gold Coast Council has expressed support for the investment, with Mayor Tom Tate involved in a meeting with the Trump Organization the day before the deal was finalized. However, the city will need to review the updated 91-story plan before construction can begin.

While the Trump Organization has a long-standing presence in real estate, this marks its first official project in Australia. The partnership with Altus ensures that the development will be Australian-owned and built, aligning with local construction and regulatory standards.

The project also comes at a time of political uncertainty for the Trump family, as the president has vowed to continue his policies on tariffs despite potential risks to the Republican Party’s midterm election prospects.