People thinking of moving to the new development at Rochester Riverside can now view progress made so far.

The firm behind the £419 million regeneration scheme to build 1,400 new homes on Rochester’s waterfront held a topping out ceremony but also gave people the chance to come and view work as well as see a finished apartment.

The first phase of the project, lead by construction and development companies Countryside and Hyde, will include 489 homes, a hotel and 2,200 sqm of commercial floorspace.

A quarter of the homes will be affordable housing, and the project allows for a new primary school, shops and open green space.

The regeneration of the land, which began last February, is part of a 12-year project.

The first round of residents should be able to move in in June.

Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), leader of Medway Council, said: “This is a momentous occasion and I am delighted that the first residents of the new Rochester Riverside community are due to be moving in over the next few months.

“This site is Medway’s flagship housing development and is providing much needed new accommodation, as well as a great choice of new homes for Medway residents.

“Both the show apartment and house look great and will make fantastic new homes for young professionals, commuters and families from across Medway and beyond.

“Rochester Riverside is in a brilliant location, next to the railway station and just a stone’s throw from the historic cobbled high street.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this project and I look forward to seeing the next phases of development come to life.”

Andy Fancy, Countryside’s managing director of partnerships in the south, said: “One year on from breaking ground at Rochester Riverside, we’re proud to mark the significant achievement of our very first topping out today.

“This exceptional rate of delivery on the build programme is testament to our commitment to deliver this landmark scheme within 12 years.”

The first phase of the project, lead by construction and development companies Countryside and Hyde, will include 489 homes, a hotel and 2,200 sqm of commercial floorspace.

A quarter of the homes are earmarked to be affordable housing, and the project allows for a new primary school, retail space and open green space.

The whole regeneration of the land, which began last February, is part of a 12-year project.

The first round of residents should be able to move-in in June.

The companies behind the development also showcased their apprentices as part of the open day (Thursday, March 7).

Countryside and Hyde, along with Joe Brennan Training, have taken on five apprentices to help them gain experience in the construction industry.

Jamie Davies, 18, from Maidstone, is four months into a carpentry apprenticeship and working towards an NVQ Level 3 in carpentry.

He said: “I came across the apprenticeship at Rochester Riverside when I was at college and decided to apply, having completed a two-year college course in carpentry. Although I’m from Maidstone, Medway has some of the biggest projects around. Working on such a large-scale development as Rochester Riverside offers the experience I need, and while there’s a lot of work to be done, it’s rewarding to be part of such a huge regeneration project.” Cllr Jane Chitty (Con) said: “We are delighted that Rochester Riverside, our flagship housing development, has been able to offer apprenticeships to people of all ages looking to develop their skills.”

“Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to learn something new on the job and in an environment which provides them with work experience and career opportunities.

“The council works with companies and developments to encourage them to offer apprenticeships, and I would like to thank Countryside for their actions.

“Rochester Riverside is a fantastic project to be involved with and we wish each and every apprentice all the best for a successful career in their chosen industry.”