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

Meet a big city hotel with a personal touch

A good experience at check-in is often a harbinger for a good hotel stay.

So it proved at the InterContinental in Sydney last week - a five-star hotel that has recently undergone a major refurb.

The InterCon is a blend of the old and the new; a modern hotel centred around the old NSW Treasury Building that is located a couple of blocks from the ferry quays and transport interchange at Circular Quay, and a short walk from the Opera House.

 


We arrived early looking to drop our bags prior to a ferry ride. Instead, extremely slick and impressive staff at reception (above) had us on our way to our room well before check-in time, and upgraded us to a room with impressive Sydney Harbour views.

All 509 guest rooms, including 28 suites, boast views of either Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens or the city skyline.

 


The welcome letter in the room even had my name spelled correctly - which is usually only a 50% chance at best.

Throughout our stay staff were uniformly smiling, helpful and professional - very welcome and something of a rarity in today's hospitality environment.

The hotel has undergone a $120 million redevelopment in recent years, enhancing modern features while preserving original elements of the Treasury Building, which dates back to 1851.

Another heritage element is the oldest working lift in the southern hemisphere, opened around 1919. 

Recent additions include the impressive Pont Brasserie dining room (separate review coming soon) and the Bar Messenger underground dive bar.

While location is important, so is technology - and here you'll find fast and free in-room wifi, push button technology to control air con, open and close curtains etc.

Rooms feature something called a "cloud bed" (above), very comfortable and available in a range of sizes; luxe amenities and blackout curtains.

Breakfasts (including many dishes cooked to order) are served in The Conservatory on level one, while The Treasury on the ground floor is open from morning until late, serving light breakfasts, casual meals, beverages and high tea at weekends.

Aster on level 31 is a rooftop bar on the same level as the hotel swimming pool and fitness centre, while 24-hour room service is available. 

Impressive on all levels. A large hotel with a personal touch.

See sydney.intercontinental.com for more details and room rates.  

# The writer was a guest of the hotel  

 

  

Penrith celebrates its first 5-star hotel

Western Sydney has a new destination hotel with the opening this week of Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre.

The new $110 million precinct features Penrith's first five-star hotel, a conference and events space, a wellness and fitness centre, and European-inspired Marcel Bar and Bistro with its sister lobby bar, Tori.

The hotel is being billed as a central base for exploring Sydney and the Blue Mountains region.

The fluid, ribbon-like shape of the building is inspired by the nearby Nepean River.

Executive chef Colin Chun will oversee the food vision for the entire precinct, including Pullman Sydney Penrith, Marcel, Tori and the Western Sydney Conference Centre.

Pullman Sydney Penrith has 153 rooms with 24 Junior Suites, 96 Superior Rooms and 25 Deluxe Rooms of various configurations.

"This stunning hotel is a magnificent addition to our portfolio and showcases the essence of Pullman's brand promise, offering an innovative and elevated experience combining comfort, and intuitive service,” said enthusiastic Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer Sarah Derry.

“We are confident that Pullman Sydney Penrith will elevate the hospitality landscape in the region and provide an unforgettable stay for both business and leisure travellers."

All rooms are equipped with smart integrated controls and a digital compendium.