Trump submits £150m expansion plans for next phase of Trump Aberdeen golf and leisure resort

Branded The Trump Estate and representing the second phase of development on the 1,500 acre estate, which is located on a site of significant environmental and scientific interest, the plan is to feature a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom cottages, priced from £295,000, to larger properties for more than £1m.

Earlier this month, an assessment was made public that the golf course development on the site had already “partially destroyed” the specially protected site it was built on.

The draft monitoring report was drawn up by the government watchdog, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The course was partly built on Foveran Links - a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), originally listed as one of the most exceptional sand dune systems in Britain.

This next tranche of investment forms part of the £750 million multi-phased development at the Aberdeen site and would build on the £100m invested during phase one which includes the golf course, extensive driving range and practice facilities, permanent clubhouse and historic country house hotel, MacLeod House & Lodge.

Future phases will be brought forward on a similar mixed-use basis, The Trump Organisation said.

The plans which have already been granted outline approval, were submitted to Aberdeenshire Council today.

Speaking from Trump headquarters in New York, Eric Trump, who has taken over leadership of The Trump Organisation with his brother, Don Jr, said: “We own a truly phenomenal property along the coast of North East Scotland and remain fully committed to our long-term vision for the site. The timing is now right for us to release the next phase of investment and the significant economic benefits this brings. Initial interest to our plans have been incredible and, subject to detailed planning approval, we are aiming to break ground next year”.

Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International in Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to unveil the plans we have been working on for the past few years. This is the second phase of our multi-phase development project which combines all three components of our original masterplan vision including five-star golf and leisure facilities, luxury hotel and resort accommodation and residential village. After extensive market research we are bringing forward a suite of luxury homes and five-star hotel cottages which we believe meet the needs and demands of consumers today. From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class leisure destination and sustainable community defined by quality and authenticity. This next phase builds on the international reputation of our championship golf course, ranked within the top 50 golf courses in the world, and harnesses the natural beauty of this mature site providing an exceptional place to live, rest and play. Improvements to the region’s infrastructure and recovery signs in the economy makes this the right time to drive forward this next major phase of development.”

Richard Marsh, leading economist at 4-Consulting, commissioned to undertake a review of this next phase confirms that the building phase will support nearly 2,000 jobs across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and over the longer term, nearly 300 permanent jobs would be created if the plans get the green light.

With GVA in excess of £250m, Marsh said: “This is a major investment which has the potential to support thousands of jobs and help to broaden and diversify the region’s economy. The second phase of development at the Trump Estate will build on an already world-class tourism asset and play a vital role in bringing more visitors to Aberdeenshire.”

Local law firm and estate agent Aberdein Considine, is working with the Trump development team on the launch of their new estate homes.

Alan Cumming, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine said: “The Trump Estate development is unique in terms of both the breathtakingly beautiful location and style of properties being proposed – there is nothing like this anywhere in Scotland. We are anticipating a high-level of interest not only from buyers in the local area, but also from the rest of the UK and overseas due to the draw of owning a permanent residence next to one the best links golf courses in the world.

Local MP for Gordon, Colin Clark, said: This level of investment is very good news for the local economy and demonstrates what a great region Aberdeenshire is for international investors.