Coca-Cola has put its famous Kings Cross billboard up for auction, with the proceeds to be donated to Wayside Chapel.

The once illuminating neon sign is currently out of action while its lamps are being replaced to make it more energy efficient.

However the auction is being advertised on a billboard adjacent to the historic Kings Cross Coca-Cola sign.

President of Coca-Cola South Pacific Roberto Mercadé, confirms all proceeds will go to the Wayside Chapel, a local charity which has supported people on and around the streets of Kings Cross since 1964.  

“The Coca-Cola sign has been an iconic part of the Kings Cross skyline for more than 40 years. It is one of Sydney’s most internationally recognisable landmarks and we knew we had to find a way to keep a part of the old sign alive,” he says. 

“What better way than to help a great local charity like the Wayside Chapel in the process?”

The billboard, commonly referred to by Sydneysiders as ‘The Coke Sign’, was erected in 1974 and is now considered a landmark signalling the gateway to the Kings Cross district of Sydney rather than an advertisement.

Its lights were permanently switched off in September for the refurbishment but the sign will light up again during an official switch-on ceremony slated for mid-September. The results of the auction will also be made available during the ceremony.

Bidding for the auction starts on September 7.

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