The sun is coming up over the River Medway and in the gym at the Boathouse, at new Berkeley development Victory Pier, a handful of the most energetic residents are already working out.

Full height panoramic windows to the river mean uninterrupted views of the old pier and the sun's first red rays across the water, even while you are burning the calories.

On warmer mornings, breakfast might be on the apartment balcony, some with views over the river. For the other residents, on the 'inland' south-facing side, what they lose on the river view, they gain on the sunshine.

Only nine of an original 124 apartments, studio flats and penthouses at the eight-storey Boathouse at Victory Pier are still for sale. For anyone who doubted the strength of the market, that's 93% sold in six months.

For would-be buyers, the good news, if your plans are more long term, is that Berkeley has outline planning permission to build another 500 apartments and studios at Victory Pier. Landscaping and space have remained a top priority in the designs, with riverside walkways, restaurants, bars and a 120-bed hotel all part of the vision.

Debra Teasdale, who with husband Alan, moved from the family home at Folkestone to a three-bedroom penthouse in the Boathouse, said: "We have always lived in older houses and now that our children have flown the nest, we wanted to try something completely different.

"It ticked all of the boxes; good view, balcony, waterside location and close to our work in Medway, and above all, we knew that living there would make a dramatic improvement to our quality of life.

"Although the hefty commute to work was the main catalyst in our decision to move, the waterside location and opportunity to watch the sun rise over the marina each morning serves as a daily reminder that we made the right choice."

Matthew Biddle, managing director at Berkeley, said: "We've been overwhelmed with the response we've received; sales have been fantastic.

"Despite all the economic uncertainties, this demonstrates the confidence everyone has in the regeneration of Medway. These will be the last apartments available for sale until the next phase is launched in 2012.

"With prices from £109,950 and rental yields of six per cent, they make an excellent investment, as well as an ideal home for those trading down, first-time buyers and people looking for a second home."

Some of the apartments are available under the government-backed FirstBuy scheme, which gives a 20% interest free loan for five years.

The studio flats at the Boathouse - they call them 'suites' - have a decent living room with kitchen, and a sliding partition which separates the double bedroom.

There is a good-sized bathroom. For a single person, wanting safe and comfortable accommodation with no upkeep to worry about, it would be ideal.

Timber effect flooring and fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and composite stone worktops are a popular touch and the larger one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments have a decent-sized balcony accessed through double doors from the lounge.

Berkeley is exceptionally proud of the Boathouse at Victory Pier, which stands strong on its own merits.

Large balconies, big enough to move your patio furniture around and put some decent plants. Big bathrooms, with seriously top-quality Roca fittings. A huge, light, bright view, lots of room to breathe. And close enough to walk to shops, pubs and a cinema.

So don't giggle that they call it a 'waterside village'.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and for the people who've already tucked in, they really quite like it.

Remaining studio flats at the Boathouse start at £109,950. One-bedroom flats starts at £129,950 and two-bedroom apartments, which have an en-suite and a family bathroom start at £174,950. One last three-bedroom apartment will be released to the market shortly. Gym use is free to residents.

Show homes and sales office are open daily between 10am and 5pm at the Boathouse, Victory Pier, Medway Waterfront, Gillingham, ME7 1AF. Phone 01634 565000, or see www.victorypier.com