Darren Cameron told last night's council meeting that a new home could be erected for that "exorbitant" outlay.

"People build houses for that amount of money," he said.

"I can't believe that's the cost to refurbish and not totally rebuild, but just to refurbish the toilets."

The tender to improve the toilet near the River Deck Cafe returned to council after councillor John Stuchbery last month asked for the possibility of a new block to be examined by staff.

City projects manager Andrew Lawson reported it would cost $700,000 for fresh restrooms.

Councillor Murray King was unhappy with that response after questioning Mr Lawson about further details.

"We've got no details of what that 700 grand is, we've got no plans, we've got no other thing, other than knock it down, it's very poor form on behalf of the staff," Cr King said.

The revamped toilets will include a baby changing room separate to men's and women's sections, change rooms, disability access improvements, a new disabled toilet and unisex ambulant cubicle.

Councillor Alice Glachan said a rebuild would cost a further $500,000 and she believed the renovation would be economical.

"I am delighted that we are able to find a more cost-effective way than removing the toilets and then rebuilding them," Cr Glachan said.

"I look forward to being able to utilise the new toilets."

The council voted 6-3 to award a tender to Wodonga firm Connelly Construction Services to complete the refurbishment for $319,160.

Cr Stuchbery, who did not speak as part of the debate, joined Cr Cameron and Cr King in voting against the decision.

Deputy mayor Amanda Cohn had questioned how spending money on the Noreuil Park toilet upgrade would affect other ablution hubs earmarked for works.

Mr Lawson replied that he did not believe it set back other projects flagged as part of a toilet strategy.