A Landmark Deal for a Skyline Icon
The Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast is poised to become one of the most talked-about developments in Australia’s urban landscape. In a deal valued at about A$1.5 billion (US$1.06 billion), the Trump Organization — in partnership with Queensland developer Altus Property Group — has officially signed an agreement to build a skyscraper on the Gold Coast at 3 Trickett Street in Surfers Paradise that is designed to eclipse all existing Australian towers in height.
At approximately 340 metres tall and 91 storeys, the tower would surpass Melbourne’s Australia 108 to become Australia’s tallest building once completed.
Ambitious Design and Luxury Positioning
According to project announcements and developer statements, the Trump-branded tower is conceived as a luxury mixed-use destination combining hospitality, residential, retail and leisure elements:
- A six-star resort-style hotel with around 285 luxury rooms.
- 272 high-end residential apartments, expected to attract affluent local and international buyers.
- A multi-level podium of premium retail, dining and entertainment space, including Michelin-calibre restaurants.
- Exclusive lifestyle features such as a beach club, pool facilities and premium concierge services.
City officials describe the development as a potential economic driver that could boost tourism and infrastructure investment in Queensland’s already vibrant coastal region.
A First for the Trump Brand in Australia
While Trump-branded properties and developments have appeared in dozens of global cities, this tower marks the first official Trump Organization project in Australia’s real estate market. In an online announcement, company executives said the tower would bring “world-class luxury experiences” to the Gold Coast, reinforcing the brand’s global portfolio and its emphasis on high-end hospitality and residences.
Altus chief executive David Young – who first pursued the concept nearly two decades ago – signed the agreement at Mar-a-Lago in February 2026, reflecting a long-standing vision to introduce an iconic skyscraper to the Surfers Paradise skyline.
Regulatory Steps and Construction Outlook
Despite the high-profile deal, formal approvals and planning processes remain in progress. Council submissions have not yet been completed, and the project still requires formal development consent from local authorities before construction can begin.
Developers have indicated construction could commence later in 2026, with expectations that the tower could shape the Gold Coast skyline before the end of the decade.
Economic and Social Reactions
The proposal has already sparked intense public debate. Supporters argue the development will deliver jobs, stimulate local economy, and elevate the region’s global profile. Opponents have raised concerns about cultural fit, branding controversies associated with the Trump name, and the impact on local infrastructure and community character.
Online petitions both opposing and supporting the plan have garnered significant signatures, underlining how major urban projects can polarise public opinion even before construction begins.
Context in Australia’s Tall-Building Landscape
Australia’s current tallest completed structure, Q1 Tower on the Gold Coast, stands at 322 metres — a title that would be surpassed by the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast.
However, other ambitious developments — such as Melbourne’s proposed STH BNK by Beulah project, which could reach even greater heights — remain in planning stages. If realised, these could further reshape the country’s skyline.
What Comes Next
As the Trump Organization and Altus move through design, engineering and approval processes, the project promises to be a defining moment for Australia’s urban evolution. Its progression will be closely watched by architects, investors and community stakeholders alike, as the Gold Coast considers whether a Trump-branded tower becomes not only its tallest building but a new symbol on the nation’s urban horizon.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
