Heritage-listed Launceston building to be transformed to a five-star Pullman hotel

A heritage-listed building in Launceston - Tasmania's second city - will be transformed into a five-star hotel. 

The new Pullman hotel on the site of the former Wellington Square State School promises "cutting-edge accommodation, dining and meeting facilities". 

Tasmanian urban regeneration specialists Red Panda Property announced today that Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, will manage its first hotel project, a Pullman in the heart of Launceston, under a hotel management agreement.

Designed by one of Asia-Pacific’s leading design practices, DKO, the $45 million Pullman Launceston will convert a former educational building into a luxe 139-room hotel. 

The project - on a hillside on Wellington Street overlooking the city - is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, marking the debut of Accor’s Pullman brand in Tasmania.

The hotel tower will be the second tallest building in Launceston, with views of the city and adjacent Tamar River. The top of the hotel will feature a rooftop bar showcasing local produce and wines from the nearby Tamar Valley.

Red Panda Property is a Tasmanian real estate development company that specialises in urban regeneration projects. Its projects include residential, commercial, retail, and cultural developments. 

Red Panda Property owner and director Andrew McCullagh said the project would significantly elevate Launceston’s tourism infrastructure while delivering economic and cultural benefits to the local community.

“Preserving Launceston’s heritage was our foremost consideration, and our plans to regenerate the area will enable visitors to enjoy a rich combination of history and modernity in the one precinct," he said.

“With the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and Royal Park as neighbours, we will build a natural linkage to other recent developments and the Seaport precinct, where guests can take river cruises.

“We anticipate Pullman Launceston becoming a food and entertainment hub for the region, with the rooftop bar being a ‘must visit’ venue for both locals and travellers.

“This is our first hotel development, and we are very pleased to be partnering with Accor, who have unprecedented experience working in the Launceston market.”

Pullman Launceston will be Accor’s sixth hotel in Launceston. 

“This will be an outstanding hotel and the international brand recognition of Pullman will help attract tourists and conferences to Launceston," said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

“With nature and food-based tourism being such powerful drivers of travel, Launceston and Tasmania has so much to offer domestic and international travellers.

“The Tasmanian brand is globally admired as being synonymous with excellence, purity, sustainability and premium quality, and with Launceston attracting new direct air services, we believe the arrival of the Pullman can further energise the state’s tourism sector.”

Launceston, Australia’s third oldest city, is renowned as a gateway to world-class walking and adventure activities, as well as for its rich food and wine culture. In 2021, Launceston was named as a 

UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 36 cities worldwide.

Accor has 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/. See ALL.com