Squaring off an internal archway

[joy]

We have a dated looking archway on what was an original external wall that leads now through to a two storey extension. Apart from being dated the sides of the archway have cracks running down from ceiling to floor. Would it be possible to re-shape this wall and remove the arch to become two straight sides?
Thanks for any advice

[Dan the man]

Most archways use arch formers which are just metal mesh that are nailed to the brickwork then plastered, so you should be able to make it straight by knocking these out, you will make a bit of a mess and if you use plasterboard afterwards to square it off then you should be able to do it, tap it and see if it sounds hollow then you will know if it an arch former.

Best to get a plasterer in really, its not a major job.