Alcove chimney breast

[Mancunian2018]

I am confused to what this is on top of the alcove, I am planning to expose the bricks and open up the chimney breast.
Does anyone know what that is if I can make it redundant.
Thanks in advance

 

[bobasd]

it could be boxing-in for old pipes that used to flow to an return from a back boiler in thefire back.
is ther similar boxing-in above the other alcove or down the side cheek of the other side?
a photo showin the cimney breast an fireplace might help more.

why do you want to open up the chimney breast?

 

[banjodeano]

it could be boxing-in for old pipes that used to flow to an return from a back boiler in thefire back.
is ther similar boxing-in above the other alcove or down the side cheek of the other side?
a photo showin the cimney breast an fireplace might help more.

why do you want to open up the chimney breast?

perhaps if he gives it a tap it will show if its solid or box wood

 

[bobasd]

"solid" why would it be solid?

 

[Mancunian2018]

it could be boxing-in for old pipes that used to flow to an return from a back boiler in thefire back.
is ther similar boxing-in above the other alcove or down the side cheek of the other side?
a photo showin the cimney breast an fireplace might help more.

why do you want to open up the chimney breast?

Thank you for your reply
I suspected old pipes as well because there is a water tank in the loft but I don’t think it’s in use because there is a combo boiler now in the house.
I want to add a wood burner hence why I what to expose the bricks but it will look awkward with that side on the alcove. I have taped and it does sound hard like bricks.

 

[Mancunian2018]

perhaps if he gives it a tap it will show if its solid or box wood

I have tapped and knocked its hard solid not coving sound.

 

[Mancunian2018]

"solid" why would it be solid?

It’s a 1950s property I guess they bricked that maybe with some pipes ??

 

[banjodeano]

"solid" why would it be solid?

well....the op just said it sounded solid

 

[bobasd]

thers a few recent threads about doin what you propose - why notread them an then do a search of the forum for similar threads?
then come back with questions.