The service centre opened on Monday with a private blessing, opening ceremony and walk through attended by Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni, local MPs Andrew Falloon and Jo Luxton and other invited guests.
The new building replaces the temporary MSD (formerly Winz) office near the police station, which opened on November 26, 2014, after the tragic shooting incident at the Cass Street office.
MSD regional commissioner Diane McDermott said there had been a lot of work done to find a long-term location that provided the best fit for the Ashburton community, the people served and staff.
The new site provided a warm, welcoming environment and was a more inviting space for people when they first walked in.
Different zones gave clients more privacy and there were more things for children to do.
The Tancred Street site is a single-level building of around 400m2 and is on an initial nine-year lease.
Ashburton MSD service centre manager Marie Ward said the staff of 12 were happy to be back in the CBD.
She said the new building provided a permanent base and a great space for clients and the community.
The new building will be showcased to local community agencies on February 19 between 8.15am and 9.15am. Those wanting to attend are asked to send an email confirmation to marie.ward001@msd.govt.nz.
