A new landmark is on the horizon for the Gold Coast, as plans emerge for the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast. The proposed 91-story tower is set to be Australia’s tallest building, featuring a luxury 6-star hotel with 285 rooms, high-end retail spaces, and residential apartments designed to Trump specifications. While the project promises significant economic benefits, it has ignited a wave of opposition among local residents.
The proposal, developed by Altus Property Group, has yet to be submitted to the Gold Coast City Council for approval. Nonetheless, it has already generated considerable debate along the iconic tourist strip. A petition opposing the project has gathered over 26,000 signatures, with many signatories expressing their reluctance to associate with the Trump brand.
One petition signer remarked, “Why would we want anything to do with Trump coming to our country? He is poison and needs to stay out of Australia in every single way.” Another stated, “This is the worst idea ever and we cannot allow it to happen!” The petition’s creator, who operates under an alias to avoid backlash from Trump supporters, explained her motivation stems from witnessing “anti-immigrant violence and the social division” in the United States.
Despite the backlash, Tom Tate, the longtime mayor of Gold Coast, has publicly supported the project. In a recent radio interview, he described Trump as “very, very likable” after dining with him at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Tate believes the tower will bring much-needed investment to the area as it recovers from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s quite incredible, actually, and it’s all about quality.”
The site of the planned tower has been vacant since 2013, following the demolition of a popular hotel due to structural issues. Local residents have mixed feelings about the proposal. Jordan Nguyen, a worker at a nearby café, initiated a counter-petition in support of the tower, arguing, “If we don’t get this Trump Tower landmark there, we’ll be empty for the next 20 years again.” He emphasized that the project should be evaluated based on its planning merits rather than political opinions.
If constructed, apartments in the Trump Tower are expected to sell for around AUD 5 million (approximately USD 3.5 million). These residences would offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the bustling Surfers Paradise beach, a popular tourist destination during the summer. Martin Hall from the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce praised the development as an attractive option for buyers in a growing market, noting, “There’s certainly no shortage of cranes around the Gold Coast at the moment.”
The groundwork for the Trump Tower began in 2007 when David Young, founder and CEO of Altus Property Group, made a “cold call” to Ivanka Trump. Young sought to create “Australia’s finest tourist property at Surfers Paradise.” After nearly two decades, the agreement was finalized with her brother Eric Trump on February 14. Young anticipates that the tower will be completed before the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, enhancing the region’s appeal during the Games.
Young described the project as distinctly Australian, emphasizing that while it will carry the Trump name, it will not align with luxury brands like Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. He aims for the tower to become an iconic landmark on Surfers Paradise Beach, catering to affluent tourists.
Should the development application be submitted and approved, the Gold Coast Trump Tower will stand at 335 meters (1,099 feet). However, it may not retain the title of Australia’s tallest building for long, as another project, “One Park Lane,” is expected to surpass it by approximately 60 meters (195 feet).
As discussions continue, the fate of the Trump Tower remains uncertain, but its potential impact on the Gold Coast’s economy and community sentiment is clear.
