Plans are reportedly in motion for a new Trump Tower on Australia’s Gold Coast, with the project valued at $1.5 billion.
Developer Altus says its chief executive, David Young, recently signed an agreement with The Trump Organization at Mar-a-Lago in Florida to pursue the project.
The proposed complex is expected to include a six-star resort offering, alongside amenities such as a beach club, a swimming pool and multiple dining venues.
Discussing the vision, Young told ABC Gold Coast: “At 340 metres in height, and 91 storeys, it will outstretch the Australia 108 building in Melbourne by 15 metres and leave every other Australian resort property in its wake when it comes to luxury.
“We are now deeply into a process of design, engineering, construction and fit-out that will cost a shade under $1.5 billion and bring the world’s pre-eminent hotel-resort brand to our shores.”
Under the reported plan, the tower would also house 270 apartments, with prices said to begin at about $5 million.
Young has also suggested the development would become Australia’s tallest building, while arguing that some people have an outdated view of what Trump-branded properties look like.
“The file footage that Australians see, of Trump hotels and resorts with gaudy gold-plated bathroom fixtures, mirrors and heavy chandeliers, is old footage from the 1980s and 90s,” he said.
“The modern Trump package is high-end design and fit-outs, with a premium feel.”
Even so, ABC reports there are separate plans in Southport for a 393-metre, 101-storey tower — a proposal that would exceed the height of the mooted Trump Tower.
A spokesperson for the Gold Coast has confirmed a meeting took place earlier this month between Mayor Tom Tate and representatives of the Trump Organisation.
However, Acting Mayor Mark Hammel noted that any project would still need to go through the usual approval process, including a formal development application. He said: “We welcome investment in the city. It shows confidence in our city and ultimately creates jobs.”
Meanwhile, Griffith University emeritus professor of planning Paul Burton questioned whether the concept will ultimately be delivered.
“If you took all the plans and proposals for massive, luxury, spectacular, high-rise, innovative, world-beating projects that have never come to fruition there, you could build a pretty impressive sea wall across Surfers Paradise,” he told the Guardian.
“This area is special because it attracts people who go: ‘I’ve got some fantastic plans and I’ve got some backers somewhere, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, wherever.’
“Most of them don’t come to fruition, because something falls apart along the way.”