It has been years in the planning and had to overcome setback after setback but at last the dream has become a reality.

And tomorrow, it all kicks off with Good Free Friday, a chance for skaters, roller bladers and BMXers to have a go at the new Gasworx site without charge.

Manager Nick Johnson said: "It's amazing. It is going to look the business.

"This will be one of the best skateparks in the UK.

"We can't exaggerate how pleased we are. It is something for the community, something long-term, and this is just the start.

"The town council has taken over the project but people did a fantastic job before that, getting money and raising awareness.

"We have made sure our prices make us one of the most competitive parks around. It is £6 a day here compared to £16 in Leeds."

The finishing touches are being made to the site, at Moorfield car park, but it is almost certain to be open for business tomorrow.

"The skate surfaces will be open, just a few cosmetic details need to be added later," said Mr Johnson.

Walls will be plastered with street art and picnic benches will be put in place in the next few weeks.

There is still time for businesses to have their names on the advertising boards around the perimeter.

A cabin will be converted into a chillout room with sofas and flat-screen TVs.

"We have already had a few visitors who have been impressed. Some have come from places like Scarborough, thinking we were open, we even had one guy last weekend who had come from Belfast just to have a look.

Mr Johnson said: "We have got a big launch on April 12 when the country's best professional skaters will be coming and that will get us national publicity.

"Then we are hoping to get national competitions here."

For the first few days, the park will be open from noon until 6pm but times will be extended during weekends from April.

Skatepark timeline

June 99 – Councillors support a new skateboarding group which is looking to get a park set up in Moorfield car park.

January 01 – Fed up teenagers launch a petition, which attracts almost 1,000 names, urging the council to find a site for the park.

November 01 – County councillors say the project will have to be funded independently and run as a private business.

October 02 – The Skatepark Steering Group pinpoints three potential sites but Moorfield remains the favourite.

May 03 – Plans are drawn up to be submitted to the council.

July 03 – Boyd Cowan's name suggestion of Gasworks wins a competition.

September 03 – Planning permission is granted. The estimated cost is £120,000.

April 04 – The park "could be open by the end of the year" ...

July 04 – ... but then disaster. The whole thing is in jeopardy when Bridlington Town Council discovers it cannot act as a guarantor for the land lease.

December 04 – Obstacles are overcome and it is announced work will start the following April.

February 05 – Oh no it won't.