Skaters whizzed across the university roundabout at Tal-Qroqq yesterday as the site was officially inaugurated as Malta's first skate park.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Environment Minister George Pullicino unveiled the commemorative plaque during the inauguration ceremony and both expressed satisfaction at the success of the €232,937 (Lm100,000) project, which gave young people a place where they could enjoy their passion for skating.

As they stood in the new park, mainly surrounded by adults who attended the ceremony, most skaters went about their sport uninterrupted while the traffic circled the roundabout-turned-park. "It's a dream come true," one 16-year-old skater told The Sunday Times. Joan Gerada said her son had been skating in the area for quite some time. Initially, she was concerned about the location where he spent his free time because of the pollution caused by the traffic. But, she said, there was no other place where her son could practise the sport he loved and she was glad that the area was now better equipped.

Spanish professional skateboarder Micky Iglesias explained that he was in Malta to carry out demonstrations. He thought the park was "original" and offered variety and continuity for skaters. He also praised the fact that the ramps were made of concrete, rather than wood, as this meant they would last long.

Mr Pullicino said the Government also wanted to invest in an indoor track for BMX riders.

Dr Gonzi said there was also room to invest in similar projects such as the indoor BMX track, a skate park in the south of Malta and something similar in the St Paul's Bay area.

Initially, when the €232,937 (Lm100,000) project was launched in August, it was reported that the area was intended to create facilities for both skaters and BMX riders.

The area is already used by skaters but the Lm100,000 (€232,937) project will create facilities for BMX riders, an area of recreation for University students, and a place of rest for residents in the area.