The re-opening of Ashburton's Work and Income Office is being welcomed in the town.

The Cass Street Office has been closed since September, when staff members Susan Cleveland and Peggy Noble were shot dead by a lone gunman.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley will open the town's new Work and Income offices on Friday.

Ashburton Mayor Angus McKay says it's good news.

"I know that there were some people that were getting very, very frustrated and some people felt that they didn't want to ring the 0800 number, they wanted to speak to someone personally. So it will be a relief," he said.