The Trump Organization has signed an agreement to build its first skyscraper in Australia, marking a major step into the country’s property market. The deal was confirmed by local developers and is set to create what many expect to become Australia’s tallest building.The project is planned for the Gold Coast, a popular coastal city in the state of Queensland. The tower will rise to 91 storeys and cost about A$1.5 billion (around US$1.06 billion), according to developers.Local developer Altus Property Group said in a statement that the deal with the Trump Organization was signed at Mar‑a‑Lago, the Florida resort owned by the Trump family, on February 14. Altus chief executive David Young said the project is now in the early stages of design and planning.The skyscraper will be branded as a Trump Tower and is expected to include a six‑star resort hotel, 270 luxury apartments, retail spaces, a beach club, and a swimming pool.The Trump Hotels website noted that the project marks the first time the brand will be used for a hotel in Australia. It described the landmark address as one that will offer “world‑class amenities” with uninterrupted views of the Gold Coast.Young said he had been working on a Trump‑branded Australian project for nearly two decades, dating back to when he initially contacted Ivanka Trump in 2007 with the idea. He emphasised that the building will be Australian‑owned and Australian‑built, even though it follows design criteria associated with the Trump brand.Apartment prices are expected to start at around A$5 million, Young said.The tower is planned for Surfers Paradise, one of the Gold Coast’s busiest tourist areas. If completed, its 91 storeys will make it taller than the current tallest buildings in the country, according to developers.At present, the project is still at the agreement stage. Developers are progressing through design, engineering and planning, and have yet to submit formal construction applications to local councils.Supporters of the project say it could boost Queensland tourism and help create jobs.
