
From Agricultural landmark to modern hotel
Launceston’s Peppers Silo Hotel is somewhat of a beacon for the city - physically and metaphorically. While the facility stands proudly on the edge of the Tamar River, commanding your attention upon entry to the city from every angle, for years the cylindrical 1960s grain storage facility stood idle.
Locals hoped for the dilapidated building to be given new life. Enter Errol Stewart who, over the course of two years, transformed the site into a new icon for the North.
The nine-storey hotel with four purpose-built conference and event spaces would highlight Launceston as a destination that could match it with anywhere in the world.
Just as confidence builds confidence, and success breeds success, the Silo Hotel lit the city’s spark when it opened in June 2018.
Silo Hotel General Manager Paul Seaman is in awe of the facility he now oversees.
“I have had 20 years working with some impressive hotels and companies and the Silos exceeds every one of those hotels in terms of quality and design and the overall experience,” Paul states.
“It could stand in any capital city in the world, and it would stand alone.
“I love the fact that it is a great story of regeneration and working something from the past into something beautiful and contemporary.”
The Silo Hotel certainly pays homage to the agricultural excellence of its heritage.
In-house restaurant Grain of the Silos seats 80 diners, services the facility’s 108-guest rooms and members of the public who enjoy the ethos of Food Director Massimo Mele, who passionately promotes the state’s famously fresh, premium produce and the producers behind it.
The restaurant also provides for the hotel’s boardroom, function room and outdoor event spaces. It plates up seasonal, environmentally-sustainable and undeniably delicious food, under the direction of Executive Chef, Thomas Pirker, who brings a level of international culinary experience to the operation.
“It is very popular for its quality and class,” Paul says proudly.
“And its sense of place can’t be underestimated with unrivalled views of the city’s iconic Cataract Gorge.”
On the Silos’ doorstep is Riverbend Park – one of Tasmania’s most popular playgrounds. The site where children now frolic was once the location of a 1930’s wool store and the stories of that agricultural heritage are also entwined through the hotel to pay homage to bygone eras.
“So much of the hotel includes elements from both the history of the area and its contemporary evolution,” Paul says.
“From repurposed building materials to Waverley Woollen Mills bed throws and use of local product where ever possible, the building and its activity contributes so much to the local community.”
Perhaps most importantly, Paul believes it is a well-designed and adaptable property.
“It is a great meeting place for locals and really caters for a range of experiences – people pop in to have a coffee and collaborate, it hosts formal events, symposiums, one-off board meetings or retreat days through to cocktail parties for up to 200.”
Upon arrival at Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston, you’re likely to be greeted by the hotel’s most popular resident, Archie, an adoring 4-year old black labrador! Archie, a trained guide dog, has proven to be quite the hit – he even has his own instagram following.
Peppers Silo Hotel is close to Launceston’s CBD, with plenty of parking and walking access via Seaport, which houses the Silos’ sister hotel, Peppers Seaport Hotel.
“The Silo Hotel development has breathed new life into an iconic landmark for decades to come,” Paul says.
“The city continues to turn its perspective to the Tamar River, first with the Seaport and now the Silo Hotel and we feel extremely privileged to welcome everyone through the doors and share the remarkable story of this area’s evolution.”