De Gouden Leeuw

Nearly €4.2 Million CEF Transport Grant for Secure Truck Parking on the A16

De Gouden Leeuw in Zevenbergschen Hoek is delivering one of the most ambitious truck parking projects in the Netherlands: a fully secured truck park (SSTPA) with 267 spaces, situated directly alongside the A16. The project has been made possible in part by a European CEF Transport grant of nearly €4.2 million: a grant application guided by Hezelburcht.

The challenge

Secure truck parking is a persistent bottleneck in European logistics. Lorry drivers travel across Europe every day, yet safe and secure overnight stopping places are in short supply. De Gouden Leeuw, a well-known roadside hospitality venue, recognised an opportunity to address this structurally — but a project of this scale requires more than private investment alone. European funding was essential to make it viable.

Hezelburcht’s role

Hezelburcht supported De Gouden Leeuw throughout the entire CEF Transport grant process. CEF Transport (Connecting Europe Facility) is a European funding programme aimed at improving transport infrastructure across the continent. Applications require thorough preparation, technical substantiation, and a sound knowledge of European grant regulations. Hezelburcht brought that expertise to the table, from feasibility analysis through to the final grant submission.

The result

The grant has been awarded. Construction began in the summer of 2025 and is fully on track. Phase 1 — 116 truck parking spaces at the rear of the restaurant — is already operational. The new DCB Energy filling station has been completed, and further phases are currently being finalised. Upon completion, the site will offer 267 secured parking spaces for lorries, including all associated driver facilities. We are proud of our collaboration with De Gouden Leeuw!

Why this project matters

This project demonstrates what becomes possible when an entrepreneur with a sound plan receives the right support in accessing European funding. For De Gouden Leeuw, it represents a transformation from hospitality venue to a fully-fledged, future-proof truck services location. For the region, it marks a contribution to safer roads and better facilities for international road haulage.

Interested in what CEF Transport or other European grant programmes could mean for your project? Our specialists would be happy to explore the possibilities with you.