Thomas Bailey along with building designer Alex Urena are hoping their plans for a great "chilled, relaxed" venue that will serve good coffee, craft beer and cocktails will be approved by Wollongong City Council.

The Bailey family-owned building at 251 Princes Highway, Bulli is heritage listed and is sitting vacant after it used to be a Curves gym and before that a chemist.

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Mr Bailey is one half of the popular Yarnsy's Cafe in Tarrawanna but he hopes this new cafe will become his sole focus.

"I am taking a lot of inspiration from cafes in Fitzroy, Melbourne that are out there and have beautiful food, coffee and cocktails," the Bulli resident said.

"Bulli residents want that type of cafe. They have seen them pop up in Thirroul, where the cafe scene has exploded and people don't want to have to travel for that experience. The interior will include exposed bricks and greenery and the outside will be respectful of the original building. The cafe will be unique and modern.

"I hope the cafe becomes the next go-to place."

The men hope the rooftop bar, which will have views of the escarpment, will be a major drawcard for patrons.

"The rooftop terrace will be a point of difference," Mr Urena said. "Providing access to the roof was a big challenge when designing the cafe because the building is heritage-listed.

"After working with multiple consultants we have found a way to have a standard staircase with a hatch that will provide access to the terrace and will create a skylight."

Mr Bailey hopes the cafe will open from 6am to 3pm every day and the bar would be open 3pm to 12pm Thursday to Sunday.

"We will serve breakfast and lunch cafe food including typical sweet and savoury offerings along with a variety of healthy food options and hot and cold beverages," he said.

"In the evening, the bar will have finger food such as sliders, tapas and share plates."

There will be a front servery window where the coffee machine will sit as well as seating and the rooftop terrace will be open for the cafe and bar whenever the weather is good."

There will also be options to hire out the rooftop terrace for events.

Mr Bailey aims to be environmentally sustainable by using biodegradable coffee cups and packaging, will offer a keep cup discount and plans to source produce locally.

Patrons will be able to park in surrounding streets.

If the application is approved, Mr Bailey hopes to start the renovation later this year and plans to be open early to mid next year.

The development application is on public exhibition until April 24.