The home of Melbourne’s iconic Skipping Girl sign has been listed for sale, with a chance it could be sold to developers.
Known as Little Aubrey, the neon sign depicting a girl jumping rope has become a much-loved part of the city’s skyline since it first appeared atop the building in 1936.
The sign was removed in 1968, but replaced with a reproduction in 1970 following public outcry.
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The sign recently also became a part of the fight to get kids off their devices, replaced temporarily with a neon sign depicting the skipping girl scrolling on a phone instead.
It is a temporary change, with the skipping girl due to return at the conclusion of the campaign being run by Dairy Farmers.
The 651-653 Victoria St, Abbotsford, building that hosts the sign has just been listed for sale by commercial real estate firms Cushman & Wakefield as well as Colliers.
They indicated the site’s unique nature made it hard to price, but that they would ascertain a value over the coming weeks based on buyer feedback.
And while the site’s heritage might be industrial, its future could be very different as it is marketed with “genuine redevelopment upside”.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Daniel Wolman said they had “strong interest” from private investors and developers looking for short-term income and longer-term development options.
“Furthermore, the site’s positioning within a proven high-density corridor, alongside proximity to Victoria Gardens and the Yarra River parklands, further strengthens its appeal to both occupiers and future end users,” Mr Wolman said.
His colleague Joe Kairouz noted that the Skipping Girl sign would be a part of any rework completed, and that while it was protected — it would be an asset to its next owners.
“I don’t think it’s a question of having to retain it, I think you would want to,” Mr Kairouz said.
“It adds a level of character to any proposed development.”
Colliers’ Alex Browne said the property’s scale and river frontage gave it significant flexibility.
“It’s a site that can support a high-quality office repositioning in the near term, while also offering the scope for a more substantial redevelopment over time.
“As Melbourne’s city-fringe markets continue to tighten, assets that offer both immediate utility and long-term transformation potential are increasingly sought after, placing the Skipping Girl site firmly in focus for a wide spectrum of capital.”
The property covers 2931sq m and currently hosts a 3620sq m office building with 129 carparks.
Expressions of interest are due by 2pm, May 28.
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Originally published as Abbotsford home of Melbourne’s iconic Skipping Girl hits market
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