Somerset House
161 Burnett Street, Ashburton
Somerset House is situated in the heart of Ashburton's CBD and is owned by Somerset Ashburton Trust, a charitable trust. Located on Level Two, the property is managed and operated by the Braided Rivers Community Trust. Using energy-efficient features such as double glazing, air conditioning, and maximising natural light, the building is both energy efficient and comfortable, while the lifts provide full accessibility. Each level has a separate boardroom, kitchenette and bathroom facilities, these office spaces have it all.
Somerset House has a long history dating back over 100 years, and even though the current building has only been situated here for 14 years, over the past 70 years the Somerset House has been a host to a variety of businesses, now including the following tenants:
Ground Floor – Burnett St
- The Somerset Grocer – Café
- James Meager MP - Rangitata Office
- Minx Hair Spa – Hair stylist and Beauty
- Mainland Mortgages and Insurance Ltd
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
- Tiffany McRae – Barrister
- Rangitata Diversion Race Management
- Spark Business – Spark Support
- Vacant Space – T15e 68m2 – Enquires welcome
Level Three
- RMF Silva – Law Firm
- Ashburton Guardian
Puretec - Water Purification Office
- Ricoh NZ Ltd - Office
- Vacant Spaces – T16c 49m2 - Enquires welcome
BRCT Office
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.