Bradford's Lister Park BMW dealership will not be returning to Manningham.

Lister's boss Jack Tordoff today revealed the business would not be rebuilt in Oak Lane, after twice being burned out by rioters in the past six years.

In the latest incident - during the recent disturbances in the city - the business suffered £5.5 million of damage.

"This is an opportunity to have a re-think and select a site that is better located to serve our customers from Bingley and outlying areas of Bradford and put the dealership in a place which is more convenient for them," Mr Tordoff, chairman of parent company JCT 600, said.

Today the business re-opened at a temporary site at the former Appleyard Saab showroom in North Brook Street, off Canal Road in Bradford.

But Mr Tordoff reiterated the company's commitment to Bradford, saying the new site would be in central Bradford.

"It has been an unfortunate but temporary setback," he said. "I am sure that people who caused the riots regret it and we have all learned lessons. We want Bradford to be a successful city and we want to go from strength to strength here."

Business and civic leaders attended a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the showroom. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Ghazanfer Khaliq, said: "This is a positive step and shows the city has recovered from an awful event.

"It is very positive that BMW has decided to stay in Bradford. There is a lot going for the city but because it seems to be portrayed badly it makes life hard for people trying to bring investment to Bradford."

Leader of the Council, Coun Margaret Eaton, said it was great to see the firm spring back so quickly. "Bradford is a super place to be and this proves it," she said.

The attack also left 46 staff without jobs in the short term. But instead of sitting at home and using the time off as a break, they set about finding and renovating new business premises.

Adrian Clark, general manager of Lister Park BMW, praised the hard working team.

"Within less than 24 hours we found the new premises within the city and 48 hours later we had the keys and we moved in there.

"Everyone has mucked-in and has worked extremely hard, it has been a massive team effort."