FAQ

The Waldau Precinct is an area of approximately 20 hectares that encompasses one of our highest profile and best loved recreation and open spaces in Manningham. It includes:

• The western part of Rieschiecks Reserve, including Waldau Lutheran Cemetery, Heimat House, pine tree windbreaks, Schramms Cottage Museum Complex, Riechiecks Pavilion, Victoria Street Pavilion, and Kevin Heinze GROW gardens.
• The eastern part of Ruffey Lake Park including Ruffey Creek, remnant orchard trees, old cart track, stone quarry, Victoria Street playground and picnic area, and the more recent Waldau woodland area.

• To better integrate the attractions of the Waldau Precinct and improve the overall experience.
• To improve access between two of Doncaster’s largest and most popular open space reserves.
• To provide a broad range of recreation and leisure options. 

Under the Masterplan, there are a number of proposed improvements such as:

• a visitor centre for the Schramms Cottage Museum Complex, with space to hold meetings, do research, store archives, set up displays and host tours
• new, engaging signage showcasing Manningham’s cultural heritage
• upgraded playspace elements and a café at the popular Ruffey Lake Park playground on Victoria Street
• better pedestrian links to improve access for residents and visitors
• improved car parking.

One of the three goals of Manningham’s Open Space Strategy is ‘to engage with the Manningham community and encourage involvement in public open space planning and management’.

An independent economic assessment found that a small café of 80 to 120m² could be appropriate for the site.

The recommended location for the proposed cafe is near the Victoria Street Playground, which provides easy access to the car park and views over Ruffey Creek valley.

No. Our proposed location is next to the toilet block near the Victoria Street car park. Although some equipment may be relocated or reconfigured, there will be no overall loss of play elements.

We are also proposing to upgrade some of the older play equipment within the playspace.

No. Dog controls will not change under the proposed café development.

we are proposing to introduce a signalised pedestrian crossing across Victoria Street to the playground to improve safety and access. This proposal is subject to VicRoads approval.

An independent economic assessment found that the introduction of a proposed café would increase demand for car parking spaces by an additional 5 spaces during the park’s peak usage periods.

The car park at the Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex across the road from Ruffey Lake Park could provide additional capacity for car parking during peak times.

Improved pedestrian connections as part of the proposed works at Schramm’s Cottage would increase parking options for the Waldau Precinct, including the proposed café.

Under the Waldau Precinct Masterplan, proposed improvements to the Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex include:

• a new visitor centre building with space to hold meetings, conduct research, store archives, set up displays and host tours
• archives to be relocated from the Fingers Barn into the new building
• public toilets will be replaced by new all abilities facilities.

Schramms Cottage dates back to the 1870s. It was built for Max von Schramm, a German immigrant, for use as a house and a Lutheran school.

The museum complex is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Our proposed development is in line with the planning guidelines outlined by Heritage Victoria and will highlight the site’s heritage values.