Trump Tower Confirmed for Australia’s Gold Coast, Set to be Country’s Tallest

After weeks of speculation, Australia’s first Trump Tower has finally been confirmed for the Gold Coast and is set to be the country’s tallest building.

The proposed tower will stand 340 metres in height and 91 storeys—15 metres taller than the current record-holding “Australia 108” building in Melbourne CBD.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our global portfolio with Trump International Hotel and Tower Gold Coast, marking the Trump brand’s first project in Australia,” a Trump Organisation statement said.

“Set to rise in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this landmark development will introduce a world-class luxury hotel, exclusive residences, and exceptional lifestyle amenities to one of the world’s most iconic beachfront destinations.”

The 3,494 square metre site on 3 Trickett Street, which faces the Surfers Paradise beach, has been bounced around a few developers.

It was previously under a near-decade long development application by Forise—owned by the Chinese developer Fu Hua Group—to build the 89-storey “Spirit” tower. Later it was owned by the Ridong Group.

Queensland’s Altus Property Group CEO David Young will lead the development, confirming the agreement was officially signed at U.S. President Donald Trump’s residence Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Feb. 14 with Eric Trump.

Young said the project began with a cold call to Ivanka Trump in 2007 to get the ball rolling.

“I looked at Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons, which are great hotel-resort brands, but there was one brand I couldn’t ignore because its mission statement was the best, and when I did some mystery shopping in this company’s resorts, I saw for myself that the Trump Organisation took this mission statement seriously.”

Young said the project will cost around $1.5 billion (US$1.05 billion) and will provide 500 jobs during construction, and another 500 jobs upon completion.

Young says the project will also have its own tourism appeal, attract the “world’s wealthiest people,” and the value-add of the Trump brand would be “greater than the entire state tourism budget” of Queensland.

The Gold Coast City Council has approved an additional two years for the builders to make use of the development application.

About the Tower

Trump International Hotel and Tower Gold Coast will cater to a range of markets.

One third of the building will comprise the so-called six-star resort-hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Surfers Paradise Beach.

Another third will contain 270 apartment homes likely to sell for at least $5 million each.

The first five floors will be reserved for retail, offering high-end shopping as well as gourmet restaurants and bars.

The lower level will offer a swimming pool and beach club.

There are currently 139 Trump towers and resorts around the world.