Plastering non-functional chimney

[MQ88]

Hi All,

I have just moved in my first home and have removed tiling from a non-functional chimney and want advice on plastering it, so it can be painted. While removing the tiles from the bottom I found some sort of an insulation or a board(it seems to be soft foam like), I'm unsure how to replace that or what should be done about it. I am very new to all of this so would appreciate if somebody can help me out.

I am attaching the pictures of the chimney to illustrate the above.

Thanks in advance

 

[SpecialK]

Are you planning on having a wood burner installed?
The slab in the bottom looks like insulation?

 

[MQ88]

I am not planning to use it for heating at all. Just want to paint it with the same colour as the wall and make it presentable. The top bit of the chimney opening is partially covered so I will leave it at that in order to keep the chimney ventilated.

It does seem like insulation, is there any advice on how to put new insulation there and how to plaster it over? Can I use gyproc instead of plaster?

 

[Alastairreid]

Whats under the board?