A 3D image of Holbeck Urban Village has been adopted by Google Earth – the mapping application that uses up-to-date satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to let people see their homes from space.

It means more than 200 million internet users could now see the plans for the innovative project – and Yorkshire Evening Post website users could be among the first.

Vanessa Allen, Holbeck Urban Village project manager for Leeds City Council, said: "It's great to hear that people all over the world can watch the area transform as developments are progressing.

"It's such an exciting project that will dramatically change the area over the next 10 years into a dynamic and creative business and residential environment that will rival UK and European cities."

AMT3D, the firm that produced the architecturally-accurate model, was established to commercialise 3D software technology developed by a group of European research institutes, which were led by the University of Leeds.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Covering 6.5km of streets and an area of over 25 hectares, the Holbeck model is one of the largest, most accurate and photo-realistic interactive models of its kind to be hosted on Google Earth."

He added: "The inclusion of this model on Google Earth opens up a huge opportunity for developers and businesses involved in the regeneration area to showcase The Holbeck Urban Village to a worldwide audience."

Holbeck3D is the second AMT3D city model to be used by Google Earth.
The council and Yorkshire Forward have formed a partnership to regenerate the neglected area and turn it into a thriving business and residential community.

Holbeck is the birthplace of the industrial revolution in Leeds and architectural treasures like the Round Foundry and the distinctive Temple Mills are being redeveloped to provide a new home for companies such as SMC Gower, DLG Architects and Cartwright, Pickard & Partners.

It is also home to the award-winning Round Foundry and innovative new buildings are set to appear alongside listed structures.
Last year Google said more than 200million people had downloaded Google Earth.