Sydney: The Trump Organization, owned by US President Donald Trump, has announced plans to develop a major skyscraper in Australia, which his son Eric Trump says will become the tallest building in the country.
The proposed Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast, will rise 335 metres (1,100 feet) along Queensland’s Gold Coast, making it taller than The Shard in London.
The project marks the company’s first official development in Australia. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, said that the tower would bring “the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand” to the Australian market.
The development is expected to cost at least $1 billion (£740 million). According to the project’s developer, Altus Property Group, construction of the 91-storey tower is scheduled to begin in August.
Once completed, the building will include 285 hotel rooms and 272 luxury residential apartments. Plans also feature space for high-end retail outlets and restaurants, in addition to an exclusive beach club situated along the world-famous beachfront.
However, the tower may not hold the title of Australia’s tallest building for long. A separate proposal for a twin-tower project on the same stretch of beach is designed to stand around 50 metres taller.
Meanwhile, work on the 101-storey One Park Lane development is also expected to commence later this year. The announcement comes as President Trump continues to face criticism that his company could benefit from his position in office.
Despite pledging before the start of his second term that Trump would not be involved in managing the business while serving as president, critics argue the Trump Organisation may still profit unfairly due to his political influence.
MOST READ | Massive winter storm hits US Northeast; Disrupts travel
