Fireplace restauration

[John1980]

Good morning all
I am looking to restore a fireplace in my house. As shown in the photos, it has been blocked God knows how long. I have taken one brick out to see what is happening and a lot a black sandy material started to come out. I am planing to take out just the bricks in the middle as I do not wnat to affect the integrity of the chimney breast.
What options do I have to make it 'live' and making sure not to burn down the house?

 

[Alastairreid]

A Hetas engineer would be your first port of call.

 

[Deluks]

You can remove those bricks and see what's behind, it will likely be a flue full of sh#t.

A decent vacuum cleaner should be your first port of call!

A 'builders' one with a shiny metal canister, or a Henry.

 

[ree]

OP,
Why not use the "search" facility above?
Use my name "ree" to search for "blocked fireplaces" - I've posted extensively on this issue.

 

[noseall]

Good morning all
I am looking to restore a fireplace in my house. As shown in the photos, it has been blocked God knows how long. I have taken one brick out to see what is happening and a lot a black sandy material started to come out. I am planing to take out just the bricks in the middle as I do not wnat to affect the integrity of the chimney breast.
What options do I have to make it 'live' and making sure not to burn down the house?

Looks like there was a standard grate and fireplace there at one point, judging by those soot marks and metal brackets. It could be renovated but would likely need a liner too.

 

[John1980]

How can I check if the liner is in good condition or not?

 

[noseall]

How can I check if the liner is in good condition or not?

You are unlikely to have a liner there. Rather, you'd have to install one.

 

[StephenStephen]

To be honest you'd struggle to fit a restaurant in that fireplace - maybe you set your sights a little lower and cafe-nate it?