Anyone had the joys of removing a dash from an MY98 scoob?

My heater matrix has sprung a leak as confirmed by my local main dealer a new matrix assembly cost 200 quid plus vat and they think that it will take at least 8 hours to fit

Now I've already had the entire lower dash and centre console off but unfortunately the heater matrix is encased in a nice plastic box that is snugly fitted between the transmission tunnel and the centre cubby, it doesn't look like there is any way of getting out the matrix without taking the full dash out

Anyone been here already and can offer some tips?

Maybe fitting a cage isn't such a bad idea afterall, becasue once they've got the dash out at least I can run off with the matirx and get it fixed