A cultural strategy which aims to make Derby a hotspot for world-class entertainment and sport over the next three years is being developed.
Derby's new Active Culture Board, which has been set up to promote the city as the go-to place for activities, unveiled its vision for the future yesterday.
Among the topics under discussion were Derby City Council's ongoing plans for a multi-sports venue, featuring a velodrome that would double-up as a 7,000-capacity concert hall.
Proposals to revitalise the Silk Mill museum were also discussed – although those are being kept under wraps for now.
Bob Betts, chairman of the board, also pledged to focus on ways to secure the future of arts festival Derby Festé, which drew 25,000 spectators at the weekend.
He said: "Derby Festé was a fantastic two days showcasing exactly what Derby can do. To see everyone enjoying themselves and kids laughing at what was going on was great.
"It's an event that is building momentum. What the board can do is talk to the right people and have meetings to make sure we can bring it back every year."
The purpose of the board is to improve cultural buildings and outdoor spaces in the city by 2014 and to encourage people in Derbyshire and surrounding counties to take part in sports and activities.
A major aspect of the strategy is the overhauling of leisure facilities such as swimming pools. Plans have been drawn up to build an aquatics centre in Derby, replacing baths at Moorways and Queen Street, and a larger, multi-purpose venue at Pride Park that would include a velodrome, tennis, badminton and basketball courts.
Paul Robinson, the city council's strategic director of leisure and culture, said the venue could transform Derby into a hub for sport and entertainment. He said: "There are velodromes in London, Glasgow and Manchester – but a gaping hole where the Midlands is.
"If we build one in Derby it will draw people here from all over the country. It would also serve as an arena that could hold between 4,000 and 7,000 people, which Derby doesn't have.
"If we approached something like The X Factor and said 'why don't you hold auditions in Derby?', we'd have nowhere to put them. But this space will give us that and much more."
The board will meet regularly and is searching for representatives from city organisations and attractions to sit on its panel.