Community Den The Dengineers

-I'm Mark.

-And I'm Lauren.

-And this is The Dengineers.

The show that puts you in charge of building your very own dream den.

THEY EXCLAIM

Dens for adventure.

Hello, trap door.

Hanging out with your friends and family.

This den is the best thing ever.

And dens built to fulfil your dreams.

-It's more than he could ever want.

-Oh, Mum!

-Ohh!

Whatever your ideas, the Dengineers team are here

to transform your inspiration into amazing spaces.

Built especially for you.

-ALL:

-This den is done.

-Hello!

-Hello.

Yes, you, Lola.

Let's do it.

-That is epic.

-Really happy.

It's amazing.

Guys, you are in for a treat, because, today,

the Dengineers are going big.

That's right, we've come to this community centre in Manchester

for an extra-special den.

Soon there will be loads of kids here

joining in in a half-term play scheme.

And they have no idea that me and Mark are going to be hiding,

ready to surprise them.

And most importantly,

they have no idea that they're going to be having a dream den made.

-I love it! Come on, we'd better go and hide.

-Come on.

Today's den is for the Youth On Solid Ground community centre,

a BBC Children in Need-supported project in Manchester.

I love coming here because I can have some fresh air,

I can have a bit of fun.

I get to do lots of things, like football.

Sport is massive here,

and is used to help the young people work on their teamwork,

communication and confidence.

Let go. Run.

I enjoy doing sport because it gets you fit and active.

If we had better sports facilities here, it would be good

because you get to learn how to play cricket properly,

tennis properly and football.

My mum doesn't live with me at home,

so it's important for me to come here

because, obviously, there's so many, like,

influences which I can reflect on,

and so many people who, like, are there for me.

This community hub is so important.

It brings so many young people together

from different backgrounds and cultures.

If there's any issues around crime, antisocial behaviour,

community cohesion,

it's easy for us to address these issues with the young people

and bring communities together.

This place is vital to the community,

and although it's used by hundreds of children every week,

the outside space is in desperate need of work,

as it's nearly impossible for them

to do the sports and activities that they love.

These guys need help from the Dengineers.

Today, the community centre are running

one of their popular play schemes...

and our sneaky team have been in there,

rigging their trusty minicams.

Although the adults are in on the act,

the children have no idea

that me and Lauren are hiding out over the road,

ready to surprise them with the news

that they're going to have their dream den made.

-That was close.

-It's fine, it's fine.

So, basically, just through that door

are loads of kids who are about to be told

that they're going to have their dream den built

here at the community centre.

This is so exciting!

-Hello!

-Hello.

-EXCITED SHOUTS

How are you doing?

How are you?

-Hiya.

-Are you all right?

Are you ready for the news?

I am Mark and this is Lauren,

and we are from CBBC's The Dengineers.

And we're here to tell you guys

that you're going to have your very own...

massive den made right here at the community centre.

CHEERING

When I saw Mark and Lauren,

I thought it wasn't true that they were here.

-Hello!

-Hello.

CHEERING How are you doing?

I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought I was dreaming.

I think everyone was, like, so happy and then so, like, delighted

that we're going to get a den, cos it's really cool.

We've never had anything like it before.

Who is excited for this massive den?

THEY SHOUT OUT

It's been hard work to keep it a secret from the children.

As much as it's been exciting, it's been nerve-racking,

cos it's just one little slip-up

and then that can just blow the whole thing.

THEY SHOUT OUT

I don't know what's going to happen here,

I don't know what you're going to do to our place,

so, yeah, I'm looking forward to it, absolutely.

Our first port of call is the Dengineers mobile HQ,

which has some mega-cool technology to get this den on track.

And it's Aisha and Abdul

who are going to be representing the whole group.

Welcome to the Dengineers mobile HQ.

This is where we're going to download

all of the ideas that you've got in your head

onto this fancy old computer

so we can start putting together some ideas for your den.

-Are you up for it?

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

Let's go for it. What's the initial idea?

To make the den, like, more sporty and bright colours.

Dive in, find some pictures you think represents that idea.

-I like the tennis.

-Tennis, nice.

Why have you chosen that, Abdul?

I like it cos they zoom into the foot

and the ball is like they're going to take the perfect free kick.

-And you love football.

-Yeah.

I think we should have a running track

because, like, loads of people like running, relay and cross-country.

That's a really cool thing, cos it's really inclusive.

-Everyone can join in, can't they?

-Yeah.

-Which is really cool.

-It doesn't really matter if you're good or bad at it.

-Absolutely.

-Everyone can run.

-Perfect.

-On the walls, we might have some rock climbing gear.

-Yeah.

-That would be cool.

-Like that one.

-Nice.

-I like that.

I like this one, because it shows all the sports that we can play.

-Good idea.

-Yeah.

-That sums the den, doesn't it?

Little bit of everything, isn't it?

And we'll pick this picture,

because it's a nice place where you can hang out,

and there's loads of street art that people really like.

-I really like it.

-There's going to be quite a lot of hard work,

because we're not just making a den for one person.

We're making it for loads of people.

This mood board is a sports lover's dream

as well as being cool and colourful.

This den is going to be quite a challenge.

And we've got just the designer for the job.

Meet Sege,

a creative genius with over 30 years in the building biz.

He knows how to nail a massive project just like this one.

-Sege, how are you?

-Mark, very well. How are you?

-Nice to see you.

-Meet the guys.

-Hiya. Hiya, chaps.

-ALL:

-Hi.

Pleased to meet you all.

Now, this is Sege. He is the den-building machine.

He's going to make this den incredible.

Tell them what's going to happen here, Sege.

There's loads and loads, Mark. I know all the things that you want.

We've got stuff for you to climb on, stuff for you to play sports on.

-Ohh!

-We've got... Oh, we have, yeah.

We've got some fantastic stuff for you to play sports on.

We've got a stage, we've got a chill-out area backstage,

which is really, really cool as well,

where you can do lots of performing on.

We've got a great running track

which is going to test your sprinting,

and we've got a fantastic pitch.

-Are you excited? ALL:

-Yeah!

-Do you like Sege's ideas?

-Yeah!

-Are we ready to build it?

-I think we are, yeah.

-Come on, let's go.

Let's get going.

Sege has designed the den to sweep around the whole community centre.

There'll be a multi-use sports pitch and a 25-metre running track

with a huge climbing commentary tower at one end.

There'll also be a performance stage with a cool backstage area

and some other surprises along the way, too.

It's time for the Dengineers to get stuck into the groundworks.

First, they need to move the container

to the other side of the site.

Then they can dig up the ground where the running track will go...

..so they can put a layer of cement down

which the track will eventually sit on top of.

They're also digging a massive hole

for the sunken trampoline to go into...

and preparing the ground for the stage and climbing tower.

It's been a totally action-packed start for the den,

and with the groundworks almost complete,

it's time to make this incredibly messy site "Dengineers only".

Are you confident the Dengineers are going to make this happen?

-ALL:

-Ooooh!

-No!

No confidence whatsoever? Are YOU confident it's going to happen?

-ALL:

-Yeah!

-Right, you see this sign?

-Yeah.

-Dengineers only.

That means you lot have got to shoo.

So take one last look and then sling your hook.

-What?!

-All right?

Off you go. Dengineers only now. THEY ALL TALK AT ONCE

Get off. Go on.

-KIDS CHANT:

-Only Dengineers! Only Dengineers!

Only Dengineers! Only Dengineers!

Only Dengineers!

Now we've got rid of the adults,

it's time for the Dengineers to properly take over

and for the real fun to begin.

This den is going to be huge, and to get it done in time,

the team are really going to have to crack on.

There's so much going on today

that I'm going to be making sure that everybody,

all the Dengineers, are hard at work,

because it's so important that everybody is working.

What have you done to her back?

-Aisha!

-Turn round a minute.

Look at this.

What?!

You know when you put it in the pot? Don't just let it drip.

You're going to have to just brush it off the side like that.

Today is all about the stage.

To stay on track,

the team need to get the base in, the walls up and the roof on

all by the end of the day.

The stage is progressing really, really well.

At the moment, the weather's holding us up a little bit.

It's really causing a bit of a problem.

We're going to have to try and get used to it and get round it,

which we are doing, but all's good.

And while the team push on,

I'm going to have a chat with adult helpers Majid and Karis.

I wanted to talk about the community centre first of all.

What's it like around here?

Well, before we were offering our services,

you know, crime was pretty high,

antisocial behaviour was really high,

so within the first three years of setting up,

we reduced antisocial behaviour by 73%.

-73%? That's almost three quarters it's come down?

-Yeah.

There wasn't much going on for young people.

There were no sort of like purpose youth centres

or community centres or sports centres around the community,

so young people just hanging on the streets, hanging in the park.

We provide open access youth clubs, play schemes,

after-school clubs and a lot of sports programmes.

You're literally taking these people who had nowhere better to go,

bringing them into the heart of the community

and making everyone sort of feel like a bit more of a family.

Yeah, everybody knows each other, everyone's safe,

-and they all play together nicer.

-Yeah.

So, finally,

what difference do you think this den is going to make to the guys?

Oh, it's going to make such a massive difference.

It's going to be amazing.

I'm sure the young people are going to be over the moon.

They're going to be so excited.

I think, from the little bit we've seen from far away,

you know, the whole building's been transformed.

Seen so many things going in, I think it's going to be amazing.

They're going to love it.

It's been a tough day for our Dengineers,

and as they push to get done what they need to

before they can go home,

classic Wrighty wants to embrace the sports theme

with a keepy-uppy challenge.

Here we go, right. Here's for a ten.

One, two, three, four...

Oh, it's gone over the fence!

-It's not rugby.

-I know, mate. I know.

What about we get one of the Dengineers in?

Simon, give me that. In you go.

Are you ready? Are you ready for this?

I'm ready. Let me just get this shot. Hang on. Hang on.

One, two, three, four, five...

Six. Ohh!

Not bad from old Simon.

Now let the pro have a go.

-KIDS:

-1, 2, 3, 4,

-5, 6...

-Ohh!

..7, 8, 9, 10,

11, 12, 13, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,

21, 22...

No! That's a cheat!

-The ball! I got the ball.

-That's a cheat!

It's the start of a new day.

You just want it to move that way slightly, towards Greg.

And Sege and the team really need to get going with the commentary tower.

This morning, we're building the log climb commentary tower,

which is becoming a bit of a feat, to say the least.

We're all sort of struggling. They're heavy logs.

A lot of puffing and panting.

So we're starting to build the main structure,

and it's looking very, very good, very interesting.

The structure is made out of spruce tree logs,

and the biggest ones weigh around 180kg.

The positioning of the logs is crucial,

and it's going to take some major concentration from the team.

While the commentary tower continues skywards,

it's time for an upcycle.

OK, guys, see this ugly old container?

All the paint's peeling off it and it looks a bit tatty, doesn't it?

Well, this is going to be our cool upcycle project, OK?

So what we're going to do is, we're going to sand it down,

get all these ugly bits off, and then we're going to redecorate it

so it looks really smart and new for your new den.

Let's get sanding!

This container is used by the centre for storage,

so it'll be great for the team to get it looking super fly

and in keeping with the rest of the den.

Oh, that looks like good, hard work from you all.

Once all the rust and peeling paint has been sanded off,

the painting team can move in

they've brought in the A team. That's us.

Guys, give our camera a wave.

With the container now a blank canvas,

it's ready for Dengineer artist Paul to finish off later

with some cool artwork.

And while the team carry on with the build,

I've brought our young Dengineers for a super sporty treat

to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

It's the official training track for Team GB.

Come on, Mark. Faster!

And it's where many of the team's medal-winning

Olympic and Paralympic cyclists train.

-Hello, guys. ALL:

-Hello!

But before these guys can get on the track,

they're going to have some tuition from bike expert Lisa.

The first thing we're going to do is you're going to practise

starting and stopping.

Wow, that was super.

These are special racing bikes designed for velodrome cycling.

Unlike normal bikes, their feet are clipped into the pedals,

meaning they can't put them down when they start and stop,

so they have to use the rail.

Pedal, pedal, pedal!

Normally when I'm on a bike, I normally put my feet down to stop

or press the brakes, but on this bike, it had no brakes

and your feet were attached to the pedals, so it was harder to stop.

Oh, are you all right?

Slow right down. Slow right down.

Once they've mastered the art of stopping,

it's time for them to hit the track.

Looking good. Keep going, keep going.

Push your foot to the floor.

Nice and fast, come on, come up the track.

Come on, keep pedalling.

SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Well done, that's good.

It's a bit nervous when you look at it, when you go on the slope.

But when you're riding, you just don't think about it.

You keep on going, it's easy.

Pedal hard, pedal!

Push, look forwards. Pedal hard, pedal hard.

It felt really, like, unstable, and it felt like

you were going to fall off,

but then, after that, it was good fun.

Hello!

I think that deserves a high-five. Well done.

All of you, amazing. Well done, guys.

Give yourself a round of applause. Brilliant.

Back at the build, the team have had a successful day.

The commentary tower is up and standing at its full height

of three-and-a-half metres.

The backstage chill-out area is taking shape.

And the guys have put in the awesome sunken trampoline.

They're on track for now, but there's still tons of work to do.

The next couple of days are going to be full-on if this den

is going to get done in time.

The Dengineers have been absolutely brilliant today.

Everybody has mucked in again on another tough day. It's been hard.

People are exhausted now, but I think we've achieved a lot,

so really, really happy. Really pleased.

It's day three of the build.

So, here we've got the stage.

Obviously it's not done as yet, still loads of work to do.

We're going to get cracking on that in a little bit,

but, until then, I think somebody's already enjoying it.

It's a really early start this morning.

Everybody's turned up, everybody's eager and willing to go.

Weather's great, rubber safety floor guys have turned up.

It's going to be colour, colour, colour all the way today. Brilliant.

Can't wait. Excited.

The rubber crumb safety flooring will be used

for the multi-purpose sports pitch and the running track.

But before any of it can be laid down,

the Dengineers need to get their power tools out.

Using a disc cutter, they're cutting a small trench in the concrete.

This might seem like an odd thing to do, but it's really important.

Concrete expands in warmer weather and contracts when it's cold.

These trenches we're cutting are called expansion joints.

They allow the concrete to move

underneath the rubber crumb safety flooring.

If we didn't do this, the concrete would crack randomly,

which could cause big problems in the future.

This flooring is made using recycled tyres,

and then bound together using polyurethane.

It's going to be great for the centre

as it's one of the safest surfaces available,

usable in all weathers,

fast draining and very resistant.

While the floor goes down, our young Dengineers

are busy painting the back of the skills board.

Then artist Paul is going to paint some super cool images on the front.

So how will they actually use this?

What we're going to do is stick on here, now,

all the labels of all the holes, so, in other words, football, netball...

Oh, OK.

-Skills tester, you see?

-Got it!

-Cricket.

-Oh, brilliant.

With only two days to go until the big day,

the team are full steam ahead.

The children have been a massive help,

but they now have to leave the site

and won't see the final den until the big reveal.

So far, it's been very exciting.

There's been a lot of builders going in and out,

and it looks like they're working very hard.

I am really looking forward to seeing this,

but I'm not sure if Sege can do it in time,

cos there's a lot more things to go,

but I'm hoping that it will and I'm really excited for it.

With just one day to go before the big reveal,

the weather has taken a turn for the worse,

and it's causing big problems for the build.

It's affecting the paintwork, it's affecting the soft-floor surfacing.

A lot to do, so many problems in our way.

The team are bringing all the items they can indoors.

Dengineers are having to work under pieces of tarpaulin...

and gazebos are going up over the rubber crumb flooring

to try and keep it dry.

With this weather that we've got now,

it's having a massive effect on the safety flooring

because they literally just can't lay the floor in this weather.

Unfortunately, there's a chance it's not going to get done,

which is going to be really disappointing for everybody,

but we're going to try our best.

But it looks like it could be Sege's lucky day.

Look at that blue sky.

Eh? I mean, this is what we want. Look at it. No more rain.

With the weather holding off,

the team are finally able to start getting

the next layer of flooring down.

This is what will really bring some colour and excitement to the den.

They can also start putting down the turf,

which will be crucial in making the den look finished.

Although the Dengineers are now able to go full steam ahead,

they're not where they wanted to be at this point...

and there's still a lot to get done before the big den reveal tomorrow.

It's finally the day of the big den reveal,

but because of the bad weather yesterday,

the Dengineers are nowhere near ready.

Sege, the den needs to be revealed today to the kids, and behind me...

I don't even know how to describe this.

What are we going to do about this?

We've still got a fair bit to do.

We're getting there, though, we're getting there.

Are you? Because that looks horrendous.

Well, yeah, it does at the moment.

It's just a bit of old, wet mud, but we're going to get turf on that.

It's going to look lovely and green.

-When I was walking in, there's a running track over there.

-Yeah.

It looks great. Two blue lines. But there's a middle line that's black.

There's a bit of an issue with that running track over there

because there should be three colours on there.

It needs to be topped off with an orange.

We're running behind on that one.

What is the backup if we don't get that finished?

Because they can't play on that.

Well, there's no doubt about it. It's got to get finished.

We're not even going to consider a backup.

We're just going to get it done.

'It's a race against time

'for the team to get the rest of the coloured flooring down...

'..and finish off laying the turf.'

Ah!

I'm going to drop it. I'm going to drop it.

It's a good job we've got Children In Need's Pudsey here

to lend us a hand.

Up you go, yeah.

Easy. Got it.

With the big reveal looming, people from the community

have started to arrive, eager to see their sports-themed den.

And with one last push from our Dengineers...

they have finally finished.

Just one week ago, this community centre in Manchester was drab,

empty and in need of repair.

Now it's an explosion of fun and colour.

With a 25 metre running track.

A multi-use sports pitch.

Bleachers for spectators to sit on.

A commentary tower, which is also an amazing climbing frame.

The upcycled container and skills board.

And, of course, the huge stage and backstage area

for when people want to chill out and relax.

And it's finally time for them to all see it.

Guys, are you ready to see your den?

CHEERING

ALL: Five...four...three... two...one...

CHEERING

Come on in. Come on down.

Do we like it?

CHEERING

-Have a look round. Come on.

-Let's go for it.

Go, go, go, go.

I think it's so good. Oh, my gosh. It has so many different colours.

It's amazing.

What this den will mean for our community is a lot.

It'll mean, like, something so special to everyone, like,

I don't think anyone will forget this day.

It's such a memorable moment.

What's so cool about all these boards is they wipe off.

So you can keep painting them over and over again in any colours,

any faces, anybody you want.

It has been brilliant. I couldn't have wanted a better reaction.

It has made everything - all the hard work - worth it.

It's just superb.

My favourite bit of the den is probably the treehouse,

where we can climb up and see all the other things around

and just play up there.

My favourite bit is the stage,

because you get to act out anything you want,

dance out whatever you want.

On the backstage, the chill-out area, I think it's very cool,

cos inside the tables, there's glass with pictures of a lot of memories.

These are cool, aren't they?

And the sunken trampoline is also proving to be

a firm favourite with all of us.

The Dengineers have done a brilliant job.

I didn't think for one minute that they'd pull it off.

This den will mean so much to the young people in the community.

It's every kid's dream. It's going to be somewhere

where they can all come and hang out together.

It's colourful, it's safe, there's absolutely everything here for them.

They're just going to be living the dream, really.

Sege has done an amazing job. He has listened to the kids.

This is what they asked for.

They wanted trampolining, they wanted a running track,

they wanted a treehouse, they wanted a sports pitch,

they wanted a place where they could do arts.

They've got it all.

My hope for the future of this den is that it inspires budding athletes

and it inspires budding actresses and actors

and performers and artists.

All of that would be wonderful. That would be a success.

And after a final sign off from Pudsey,

there's just one thing left to do.

ALL: This den is done!

CHEERING