Accor has signed a deal with Tasmanian urban regeneration specialists, Red Panda Property, to manage its first hotel project – a five-star Pullman in the heart of Launceston.

The AU$45 million Pullman Launceston, designed by DKO Architecture, will regenerate a heritage-listed educational building into a 139-room five-star hotel, complete with restaurants, bars, and meeting and events spaces.

The Wellington Street hotel, which marks Pullman’s debut in Tasmania, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.

“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 PME, 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.”

Supported by specialist hotel development advisors Cre8tive Hotels and Lifestyle, the hotel will honour the cultural and heritage significance of the site by combining heritage and new-build elements.

The hotel tower, which will be the second tallest building in Launceston, will feature a rooftop bar showcasing local produce and wines from the Tamar Valley.

“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,” said Red Panda Property Owner and Director, Andrew McCullagh.

“With 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.