Plans are underway to construct the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast, which, if approved, will be Australia’s tallest building. The proposed 91-story tower will include a 285-room luxury six-star hotel, high-end retail space, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The Altus Property Group is leading the project, with the potential for residential apartments that meet Trump specifications. While the plans have generated excitement among some, they have also sparked significant opposition, with over 26,000 signatures on a petition calling for its rejection.
The site, located near the center of the Gold Coast, has remained vacant since 2013, when a beloved hotel was demolished due to structural issues. Local residents express mixed feelings about the development. Many, like the petition creator known as CK, voiced concerns about the Trump brand’s reputation. CK stated, “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.” She emphasized that her opposition was not against job creation but against associating with the Trump name.
Local Support and Economic Impact
Despite the outcry, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has publicly supported the project. Recently, Tate shared his positive impressions of Trump after a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, remarking that he found Trump to be “very, very likable.” Tate’s endorsement reflects a broader sentiment among some local officials, who are eager for developments that promise economic revitalization for the tourist area, which has struggled in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cafe worker Jordan Nguyen, who started a petition in favor of the tower, argues that the proposal should be evaluated on its merits. “This proposal should be assessed on its planning merits and the benefits it can deliver to the community—not political opinions,” Nguyen stated. Many supporters believe the Trump Tower could attract tourists and investment, revitalizing the area and preventing it from remaining an empty space for years to come.
Apartments in the proposed tower are anticipated to sell for approximately AUD 5 million (around USD 3.5 million), offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the famous Surfers Paradise beach, which sees heavy tourist traffic during the summer. Local chamber representatives have praised the development as a “gold option” for buyers, especially with the 2032 Summer Olympics set to take place in Queensland.
Long-Term Vision and Plans
The groundwork for the Trump Tower was reportedly initiated back in 2007 through a cold call to Ivanka Trump, according to Altus Property Group CEO David Young. The formal agreement for the project was signed on February 14, 2023, with Young expressing his intention to create “Australia’s finest tourist property” in the area. Young emphasized that the project would be distinctly Australian rather than American, despite the Trump name being prominently featured.
While the timeline for submitting the development application remains uncertain, Young aims for the tower’s completion before the Olympics, suggesting it could serve as a significant draw for visitors attending the Games. If constructed, the 335-meter (1,099-foot) tower may not hold 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 around the Trump Tower, the community remains divided. Local officials and business owners see the potential for economic growth, while many residents express concerns about the implications of the Trump brand in their city. The outcome of the project will ultimately rest with the Gold Coast City Council, which will review the application once it is submitted.
