A retail development comprising five shipping containers is proposed behind the Lawrence Dry Cleaners shop in Cronulla mall.
The 40ft (12 metre) long containers would provide a "unique" two storey development comprising a cafe and two other shops, says a development application (DA) lodged with Sutherland Shire Council.
All businesses would be accessed from Surf Lane at the rear.
The proposed development site adjoins apartment blocks, so there is likely to be opposition from some residents.
The estimated cost of the project at 26 Cronulla Street is $293,000.
The DA said the existing building containing the dry cleaning business would be maintained, with the containers being installed at the rear.
They would provide a cafe and one shop on the ground floor and another shop above.
"It has been designed to provide window frontage for all tenants and maximise passive surveillance," the DA said.
"Two car parking spaces at grade are provided on site with entrance from Surf Lane."
The applicant said access to the site from Cronulla Street had been investigated, but initially access would be from Surf Lane.
The DA said the proposed cafe would open from 7am to 10pm and other shops from 9am to 6pm.
Tenants had not been confirmed at this stage.
"The development proposes a maximum of 10 employees distributed between the three retail premises," the DA said.
