remove fireplace but not the chimney breast

Hi
I have searched through existing threads but I could not find an exact match for this query. My livingroom has a nice but very wide 70's style fireplace. We could do with the wall space for shelving etc. So I was hoping somebody else has removed a fireplace but not the chimney breast and replaced it with a continuation of the existing wall above the fireplace. If anybody has gone through this process maybe they could let me know how much it cost? Our fireplace is approx 120 cm wide so removing this would allow us to put up an Ikea living room storage system (e.g. type that allows you to attach a flat screen tv) against the wall.
Thanks for your help.

Just take it out. It is only leaning against the chimney breast. Could be all brick or concrete with tiling or brick over. Lump hammer with chisel.

fireplace should be fixed at about 4 points chip around its frame till you find the fixings and then remove. Batton out and slab. Scrim the edge, apply bonding and skim coat. Dont forget to put in a vent.

I was in the exact same position with my own living room 4-5 years ago - the fireplace was some hideous 70's thing.

I got a local handyman to remove it - he basically took a crowbar to it and it was gone an hour later.
I then got a plaster to re-skim the wall. I think that cost €150 quid

thanks for all the advise and links. It does seem to be something you could do partially yourself but I'm not sure I'd have the confidence to do it. Just_Joe, did you have the handyman board up the hole where the hearth was? thanks