Skyscraper scrap: mixed reaction for Trump tower plan
The Gold Coast, known for its sun and surf, appears to be left with a scrap of skyscrapers after the Trump Organization announced plans for a tourist strip.
Rival petitions have been launched for the proposed 340-metre, 91-storey Trump tower in the Queensland resort, billed as Australia’s tallest building.
Reactions were mixed after a local developer claimed he had signed a deal with US President Donald Trump’s family to build the $1.5 billion monolith and create a “natural home for the wealthy”.
The supertower’s design was revealed by Mr Trump’s son Eric; this design depicts the massive high-rise building, complete with the family logo, dominating the Surfers Paradise skyline.
“I’m proud to announce the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast, soon to be Australia’s tallest building,” he said on social media.
“This is our first foray into Australia, a remarkable country in every way, and I couldn’t be more excited to help shape its iconic skyline forever. More to come…”
Gold Coast City Council is set to consider a development application after Queensland’s Altus Property Group claimed it had withdrawn the landmark deal.
Mayor Tom Tate said the development was “pretty incredible.”
“It’s all about quality. Putting the Trump brand will take it to the next level and all Americans will know where the Gold Coast is,” he told Triple M Gold radio on Tuesday.
Asked if he had met Mr. Trump, the mayor replied: “I had dinner with him and I was amazed at how beautiful Melania is in real life.”
Not everyone is on board after Altus CEO David Young said he signed a deal with Trump Organization executive Eric Trump.
Approximately 28,000 people signed Change.org petition He called on Gold Coast Council and the Queensland government to refuse construction of the tower.
“Allowing a Trump-branded development on the Gold Coast would send the wrong message about who we are as a community and what we are willing to support,” the petition says.
A counter-petition launched to support the Surfers Paradise skyscraper has collected more than 3,000 signatures.
“The proposed Trump Tower on Trickett Street, Gold Coast, has tremendous potential to transform the local economic landscape and transform the region into a thriving hub of activity and opportunity,” he says.
The proposed tower includes a six-star resort hotel, approximately 270 luxury apartments reportedly priced from $5 million each, a retail plaza and a beach club.
“It will be completed before the Olympics start, creating additional tourism for the Games themselves,” Mr Young said in a statement.
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