A multi-million development featuring nearly 200 new apartments along the River Medway has reached a major milestone towards its completion.

The socially-distanced "topping out ceremony" held at Chatham Waters this week marked the £33.5 million project reaching its maximum height.

The 193 apartments – varying between one, two and three bedrooms – are among the almost 400 to be completed along the waterfront.

Landowners Peel L&P, development partners Long Harbour and construction firm Russell WBHO celebrated the landmark moment along with Medway Council's head of planning Dave Harris.

James Whittaker, executive director for development at Peel L&P said: “We’re thrilled to be moving forwards in the current climate and celebrating yet another key development milestone at Chatham Waters. I would like to thank everyone who joined us to mark the occasion, we look forward to welcoming residents to the scheme in spring 2021.”

The Chatham Waters scheme is a 26-acre site will comprise of residential, commercial, retail, leisure and education when it is completed.

It is already home to the University Technical College campus, Mast and Rigging pub, Asda store and more public space.

The new development also features a public walkway along the waterfront and nature trails adding to Natural England's Coastal Pathways scheme.

Developers say more than 700 new full-time jobs have been created by the scheme worth an extra £19m to the Medway economy.

When the remaining commercial space is finished, it is expected the scheme will contribute a further £3.8m to the economy every year and create another 100 jobs.

Andrew Russell, joint managing director at Russell WBHO, added: “The completion of the building structure is a milestone to be celebrated on any major scheme, taking a moment to recognize the skill and commitment of the whole project team before we head into the final phase of the build. I’m extremely proud of the way the team has dealt with the challenges over recent months."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway