Somerset House

161 Burnett Street, Ashburton

Located in the heart of Ashburton’s CBD, Somerset House is owned by the Somerset Ashburton Trust, a charitable trust dedicated to supporting our community. Managed and operated by the Braided Rivers Community Trust, this building blends history, modern comfort, and sustainability.
 
Designed for Comfort and Efficiency
Energy-efficient features including double glazing, air conditioning, and maximised natural light.
Fully accessible with lifts, ensuring everyone can move around with ease.
Each level includes a boardroom, kitchenette, and bathroom facilities, everything you need for a productive day.
 
A Space Steeped in History
Somerset House has a rich legacy spanning over 100 years. While the current building has stood here for 17 years, the site has been home to a variety of businesses for over 70 years, making it a cornerstone of Ashburton’s business community.

Our Current Tenants

Home to a vibrant mix of businesses and organisations, all contributing to the heart of Ashburton’s community. Every time you visit, shop with, or support one of our tenants, you are directly helping the wider community.

How Your Support Makes a Difference
Funds generated through tenant rent help support BRCT’s granting pools, which in turn provide funding to local groups, clubs, and initiatives across Ashburton. By supporting our tenants, you’re not just engaging with local businesses—you’re helping strengthen the community as a whole.

Ground Floor – Burnett St
  • The Somerset Grocer – Café
  • James Meager MP - Rangitata Office
  • Minx Hair Spa – Hair stylist and Beauty
Ground Floor – East St
  • Spark – Retail
  • The Phone Hub - Retail
Level One – Access via Burnett St
  • I-Select - Superannuation consultant
  • Leech & Partners – Accounting and Business services
  • Radio Network – Hokonui Radio 92.5fm
Level Two
  • Croys – Accountant and Financial Advisors
  • Braided Rivers Community Trust – Grants/Sponsorships
  • Advance Ashburton – Grants/Sponsorships
  • Rangitata Diversion Race Management
  • Spark Business – Spark Support
  • Mainland Mortgages and Insurance Ltd 
  • Vacant Space – 23m2 – Enquires welcome
Level Three
  • RMF Silva – Law Firm
  • Ashburton Guardian
  • Puretec - Water Purification Office
  • Ricoh NZ Ltd - Office

Level Two - Where Community Support Comes to Life


Nestled on Level Two of Somerset House, our office is more than just a workspace, it’s a hub of ideas, collaboration, and community support. By sharing the space with Advance Ashburton Community Foundation (AACF) and Ashburton Benevolent Trust (ABT), we’re able to bring together a wealth of knowledge about grants and funding opportunities across Mid Canterbury. 

Why our office works so well: 
Collaboration with AACF & ABT gives us a broad understanding of local grant opportunities.
We can guide individuals and groups toward the funding that best suits their needs.
A friendly, welcoming environment makes asking questions easy, no matter your experience level.
 
Image

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation (AACF)

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation is a local charitable trust that supports community initiatives across Ashburton. The foundation accepts donations, invests these funds, and distributes the earnings to benefit local groups, clubs, and projects.
 
How it works:
Donations are invested to generate sustainable income.
Grants are awarded from the investment earnings, helping a wide range of community initiatives.
AACF focuses on projects that strengthen the wellbeing, education, and development of our community.
 
Getting support:
For more information on funding opportunities, grant applications, and how AACF supports local initiatives, visit www.advanceashburton.org.nz

 

Image
Ashburton Benevolent Trust 

In late 2022, BRCT took over the ABT's administration services from Croy’s Ltd, which had provided these services since 1998. Over the past 16 years, Wendy Severins managed ABT's secretarial services, however due to her retirement, Angela Trott currently manages these roles, also acting as its treasurer. Angela will continue to work with the  three residing Trustees, Jackie Girvan, Anne Fleming, and Stephen Millichamp, while Croy's Ltd maintains the annual accounts.

Ashburton Benevolent Trust was formed in 1998 by the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation in response to the increasing demand from a wide range of folk who required assistance with relatively small amounts. A sample of the grants supported may include but are not limited to:

  • Assessments of children for learning disabilities
  • Helping with cost of special learning tuition
  • Optometrist costs
  • Dental Treatment fees
  • Counselling services
  • School uniforms and stationery
  • Paying overdue power to avoid cut-off of services

The grant applications are presented at their monthly meetings unless its urgent. ABT’S grants are funded quickly, and payments are made directly to the invoice of the company or business, not to individual applicants.

To apply for a ABT grant please contact Angela Trott, Secretary, at ashbentrust@gmail.com

Grant applications can be found here.

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9am to 3pm

Physical Address: 

Level 2, Somerset House, Cnr East & Burnett Streets, Ashburton 7700

Postal Address:   PO Box 217, Ashburton 7740

Phone:   +64 3 307 5911

Search