Sydney's new Ritz-Carlton Hotel will soar above The Star casino and entertainment complex at Pyrmont when it opens by 2021 – and it'll take the shape of one of these three towers, shortlisted as finalists in a $500 million design competition.

The six-star hotel Ritz-Carlton Sydney hotel will contain 220 rooms with panoramic views over Darling Harbour and beyond, along with events spaces, conference ­facilities and a ballroom.

The 215 metre tower will also be home to 150 upscale residences.

Here's the first design from global architects Grimshaw, which merges skyscraper with silo:

Up next: an angular multi-faceted edifice from BVN.

The most dramatic tower of the trio is FJMT's spiral twist, which some have already suggested looks like an askew stack of silver Star casino gaming chips.

"The international calibre and local credentials of our architects will ensure that The Star can showcase its home-grown Sydney character in world-leading ways that befit our city’s global status," says Matt Bekier, CEO of The Star Entertainment Group.

“Our development concept will take The Star's room inventory to more than 1,000, bring The Ritz-Carlton brand back to Sydney, and add a further 20 food and beverage venues."