In 2024, Crest Nicholson redeveloped the former Birdseye Headquarters in Walton to create 375 homes, comprising a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. The Walton Court development hosts menhirs which were part of the original Birdseye location, a war memorial (currently being recreated) and a new piece of public art to mark the historic significance of the site.
Menhirs
A series of menhirs (large human-made upright standing stones) designed by Alan Collins have been reintroduced as part of the landscaping of the new development.
War Memorial
In 2000, a memorial was established on the former site of the Birdseye Headquarters for Flight Sergeant Charles Sydney RAF who was killed on 27 September 1940 when his spitfire R6767 crashed down at the West end of Station avenue. As part of the new development, a new memorial was developed in partnership with The Friends of Charles Sydney RAF, voluntary groups from local history societies and developer Crest Nicholson and was unveiled on 6 July 2024.
Public art
A new public sculpture called 'Welcome Home' was installed at the new Walton Court Garden development in May 2024 to celebrate the site’s heritage and its importance to the local community. It was created by artist Stuart Melrose and funded by developer Crest A2D (Walton Court) LLP. The artist has taken the history of the site and blended two significant parts to create the stainless steel double meaning sculpture:
The Spitfire - in memory of Flight Sergeant Charles Sydney.
The Penguin - a reference to the original iconic Birdseye HQ where penguins were free to roam the central courtyard