AGL today reassured the people of Melbourne it is committed to keeping the lights on at the iconic Skipping Girl sign although the building under it is up for sale.

General Manager Customer Strategy and Marketing Alison Wild said AGL would continue to power the animated neon sign on a building rooftop in Abbotsford.

“AGL was part of a passionate group of supporters including the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) that gave the heritage-listed sign a long overdue makeover in 2009 and we converted it to solar energy in 2012,” Ms Wild said.

“The sign was built in 1970 to replace the larger original sign erected in 1936 but it was in darkness for 10 years until the restoration of the intricate glass tubes and circuits and repairs to the structure.

“This was recognition that, just as AGL has evolved over more than 180 years, we also had to bring Little Audrey, as the Skipping Girl is known, into the modern age.

“Even if the building is sold, we plan to continue funding the ongoing service, maintenance and repairs of the rooftop sign.

“That’s because we know what an important place that Little Audrey has in the hearts of Melbournians and visitors to this city.

“Our support for her continues irrespective of who owns the building on which she skips.”