What to do with this fireplace?

[EatYourFive]

Opinions please, shall we rip it out or can something be done with it?

House is from the 1930s, am I right thinking this fireplace is probably a later addition?
There's an unused gas outlet next to it so thinking it might be quite easy to put in some sort of gas fire, or are those not a good idea?
Not keen on a logburner due to impact on air quality and also don't really have anywhere to store the firewood.

The insert looks original so you may find something nice under those tiles. I'd definitely remove the surround!

that surround looks more 60s than 30s and hasnt really got much about it if you are going to decorate you might a well get it removed plater the wall with a small air vent and make the most of the extra floor space

thats plaster the wall

Thank you both. I really dislike the surround and want to get rid, pleased to hear that my assumption of it being a later addition was correct. I just googled 1960s fireplaces and it does look like ours is one of those.

Just to warn you, I had one very similar taken out and it was solid concrete and an absolute bastard to remove! I'm glad I did as it looked so much better (and bigger!) once it was gone, but it was more time consuming and expensive than anticipated!

I think you need to check your chimneys if you want a gas fire. I couldn't afford it so bought a very cheap electric log burner. Nice effect. Those tiles are a real eyesore! Other cheap ideas are to paint the whole thing in a beautiful colour and/or use adhesive tiles on top.

Fireplace walls in 1930s semis often contain asbestos- something to be aware of if you are taking it out.
Gas fires cost a fortune and are not great in largeish rooms.
What about an eco wood burner?

Thanks everyone.
@peachgreen will definitely get professionals to remove the whole thing. What did you replace yours with?
@Geppili will take a look at some local stores this week to see what my options are. I like the idea of gas for convenience, but worried it would be quite costly to install and run. There are some nice looking electric ones as well that I have seen.

@LuluBlakey1 thanks for the tip re asbestos. Not sure of wood burners, we live in a city so not sure you are supposed to have them (although many people do!), and really don't have anywhere to store the logs.