The Methodist Mission will this evening launch a public appeal for money to help build its new social services complex in South Dunedin.
The "Wesley Village" will cost $5.6 million although the Mission and Wesley Parish have already contributed $1.05 million of land for the new complex on the corner of Hillside Road and Wesley St.
Existing buildings on the site, including the Wesley Church, will be demolished.
Mission general manager Laura Black said yesterday the brick church was in a dangerous condition with foundations subsiding, borer in woodwork and roof beams giving way.
"If we leave it too much longer the church will come down by itself, unfortunately."
She said the new complex would retain some of the church's historical features, including its archway.
The new buildings will incorporate a community lounge, hall, meeting rooms, nursery and pre-school.
It will also include facilities for an expanded team of support and advocacy workers.
"It will provide us with a base in South Dunedin, the most socially deprived urban area in the South Island."
The appeal document points out that nearly 60% of South Dunedin households have a total income of less than $20,000 and 60% of residents over 14 receive income support.
Mission board chairman, Emeritus Professor Colin Gibson said the mission's "complex and difficult work" often went unseen.
"It is the work of uncovering and supporting lives of opportunity and possibility."
The Methodist Church's social services work began in Dunedin in 1890 with orphanages and aged care homes.
The Mission, which has pledged $400,000 in addition to the land, will be approaching charitable trusts, the Ministry of Education, Dunedin Methodists, businesses and the general public.
