Prince Andrew will visit Bradford next week to mark the rebirth of the car dealership burned to the ground during the riots of two years ago, it was announced today.

The Duke of York, who is the UK's special representative for international investment and trade, has agreed to perform the opening at the new £4.5 million JCT600 dealership.

The BMW showroom in Sticker Lane, which is expected to become one of the biggest in the country for the car firm, is due to open on Tuesday.

It is understood Prince Andrew was keen to show his support for the company after it demonstrated its commitment to Bradford by retaining the flagship dealership in the city.

His visit will come almost two years to the day since the devastating riots in which the original Lister Park dealership on Oak Lane was destroyed.

The prince is expected to take a short tour of the facilities and will be introduced to JCT600 group chairman Jack Tordoff and his son John, the chief executive.

Today Jack Tordoff said the royal visit would provide a fitting opening for the new showroom.

"It is an honour for JCT600 and the city of Bradford to have His Royal Highness here to mark the completion of our building work," he said.

"Lister Park BMW will be fully open for business on July 14 and we look forward to welcoming all our customers to this new state-of-the-art dealership.

"Our commitment to the city of Bradford and our customers is reflected in the investment we have made in the area with this superb facility and in the plans we have put in place to expand and develop JCT600 for the future."

Mike Cartwright, policy executive at Bradford Chamber of Commerce, praised the firm which recently announced plans to invest more than £10 million in the city in the next two years.

He said: "It is great that such a high profile figure is coming to the district and for such a positive event. All credit to JCT600. They are doing a great job for businesses in Bradford."

Prince Andrew has taken on his new role since leaving the Navy. It involves him visiting businesses large and small around the UK to show his support for their work.

During his visit to Bradford, he is also expected to meet representatives from the site construction company and BMW.

Prince Andrew met business leaders in Bradford on his only previous visit to the city in December 2001, which was also part of his work for the Department for Trade and Industry. On that occasion, he visited the former business and innovation centre Woolston House, in Tetley Street, Bradford, and met winners from his own community initiative award.