A Landmark Proposal Announced
The Trump Organization has revealed plans to construct what it says will become Australia’s tallest skyscraper, marking the company’s first official development project in the country. The announcement was delivered by Eric Trump, executive vice president of the firm and son of US President Donald Trump. According to the company, the ambitious tower will rise along Queensland’s iconic Gold Coast, a region known for luxury tourism and beachfront high-rises. The project signals the brand’s continued push into international real estate markets despite ongoing political scrutiny in the United States.
Height Designed to Redefine the Horizon
Developers say the Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast, will reach approximately 335 metres, or about 1,100 feet, placing it above all existing buildings in Australia if completed as planned. The proposed structure would even surpass London’s Shard, one of Europe’s most recognizable modern skyscrapers. The building is expected to stand 91 storeys tall, becoming a defining architectural feature of the coastal skyline and potentially reshaping the city’s identity as a tourism and investment hub.
Luxury Brand Expansion Strategy
Eric Trump said the project would introduce “the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand” to Australia’s hospitality and residential property sectors. The tower will combine hotel accommodation with private residences, aiming to attract international buyers and high-end travelers. According to company statements, the development is designed not only as a hotel but also as a lifestyle destination, incorporating upscale amenities and exclusive services that align with the company’s global portfolio of branded properties.
Cost, Features, and Amenities
The development is expected to cost at least $1 billion (approximately £740 million), making it one of the largest private real estate investments proposed for the Gold Coast. Plans include 285 hotel rooms and 272 luxury residential apartments. Retail outlets and fine-dining restaurants are also part of the design. An exclusive beach club along the internationally known beachfront is being promoted as one of the project’s signature attractions, intended to appeal to affluent visitors and long-term residents alike.
Construction Timeline and Partners
Altus Property Group, the developer overseeing construction, has indicated that building could begin as early as August, pending final approvals. Local authorities are expected to review environmental, zoning, and infrastructure considerations before work officially starts. If approved on schedule, the project would join a growing wave of high-rise developments across Queensland’s coastal region, reflecting strong demand for tourism-driven real estate investments.
Political Controversy Resurfaces
The announcement has also revived debate surrounding potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that the Trump Organization could benefit from global recognition associated with Donald Trump’s political influence, despite his pledge before beginning his second presidential term to step away from direct business management. The company maintains that the president is not involved in day-to-day operations and that international licensing and branding agreements are handled independently by corporate executives.
Rival Projects Complicate the Race
Even before construction begins, the proposed tower faces competition. Another development, a twin-tower project planned along the same beachfront, could exceed its height by roughly 50 metres. Additionally, the 101-storey One Park Lane proposal is also expected to break ground later this year. If all projects proceed, the Gold Coast could see multiple record-setting skyscrapers rising simultaneously, intensifying rivalry among developers.
A Changing Coastal Skyline
Whether or not it ultimately becomes the nation’s tallest structure, the Trump International Hotel & Tower represents a significant moment for the Gold Coast’s urban evolution. The region has increasingly positioned itself as a global destination for luxury tourism and investment property. The project’s success will likely depend on market demand, regulatory approvals, and competition from rival developments. For now, the announcement alone has sparked international attention and renewed discussion about how politics, branding, and global real estate increasingly intersect.