THE rundown Woodstock Motel has been bought by Jehovah’s Witnesses as plans for their printing centre gather momentum.

The motel, in Stock Road, West Hanningfield, closed in July and was purchased by the International Bible Students Association (IBSA) – the charity which manages Jehovah’s Witnesses’ printing and literature distribution – at auction.

The motel had been dubbed “embarrassing” and “the worst hotel ever” by guests on Trip Advisor in June.

Subject to planning permission, the building will act as the “design co-ordination centre” for the neighbouring Jehovah’s Witnesses publishing and printing base, which it is hoped will be built on Temple Farm, in Ship Road.

Plans for the 82-acre site include a plant producing Bible-based literature, admin and language translation offices, production studios, an auditorium, a training centre and workshops all on the site.

An IBSA spokesman said: “IBSA has acquired the former Woodstock Motel site and has already started a thorough clean-up of this rundown property.

“Subject to planning, it is hoped this will serve as a design co-ordination centre in support of the proposed Temple Farm development.”

Richard Poulter, Conservative councillor for Bicknacre and Hanningfields, said: “I don’t see this being a problem as long as it doesn’t create noise or traffic.”