Foundations for the city's sixth McDonald's store are underway with works set to also start on a BP petrol and convenience store next door on the Wiltshire Lane-Glenelg Highway corner. Both are expected to open in March.

But it is the official arrival of the fast food giant, at least with signs on fence lines, that has fuelled people across town talking.

This comes as news popular liquor chain Dan Murphy's is on track to open by Christmas - just in time to add to the festive season.

H.Troon developing managing director Steve Troon said people would see a lot of building activity from now into the New Year but retail progress for the city's south was stepping up a notch. This is largely due to the opening of one of Australia's biggest Bunnings stores in mid-July.

"Major tenants are reporting a significant uptake in trade since Bunnings opened - even though it looks a bit like a construction zone out there still at the moment," Mr Troon said.

"There are real benefits out there for our shoppers and retailers...Retail development is shifting more shoppers to the south. As developers of the centre, we're extremely pleased with how this has gone."

Meanwhile the homemakers centre adjacent to Bunnings, with anchor tenant PetStock, is due to open in mid-November. Party supplies store I Love This Shop is confirmed to join the centre while Mr Troon said developers were in negotiations with one further brand.

Construction for a car wash at DTC is also underway and expected to be polishing hoods by Christmas.

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