The building has undergone considerable changes over the years, the most recent being in 1975 after the church was gutted by fire. The new church and the adjoining church hall play an important part in the local community, hosting a great many public meetings as well as accommodating the Spires Centre for the homeless in the church hall.

A view showing the side and rear elevations of St. Leonard's Parish church at the junction of Streatham High Road, Mitcham Lane and Tooting Bec Gardens.

The church has stood here for over 1000 years and the parish originally covered a much larger area including Balham, the northern part of Streatham up to Brixton Hill and east up to Crown Point.

Many famous people are buried here, including the artist William Dyce and the Thrale family.