Removing 60s fireplace and surround

[SamHolmes2021]

We're slowly renovating our 60s house and the times come to get rid of the fireplace and brick surround

What what be the best way to tackle this? And anything I should be aware of As? I'd like to do as much work as I can on my own

I obviously won't touch the gas so I'll get a gas engineer in to cap the gas. Although the pipe goes into the concrete hearth so I'm not too sure where they can cap it off? As I don't want any of it visible

Thanks

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Mmm. Best bet for capping the gas pipe is find where it branches from the main supply and disconnect it there.
Is there actually a chimney? The mantelpiece and surround should come off with a hammer and bolster. The projecting bit of wall-does it continue upstairs? Any joists sitting on top of it? Does it sound hollow when you tap it?