Really easy to remove that panel! Just put your fingers in the semi-circular holes and pull towards you.
to remove the upper fascia - firstly you have to remove the cubby hole which is done by putting your fingers in the holes on the underside and pulling towards the boot. Then remove the radio (can use a cut up credit card to insert into the slots at each edge to release the radio - make sure you have the radio code). Once that is done, there are 4 screws at the vertical edges - remove these. Then remove the screw on the underside of the drinks holder, airbag light, demister switch and hazard switch (all one unit). Next remove the bottom panel (under climate) by putting your fingers in the locating holes and pull (should come off quite easily). There are a further two screws under the climate unit that need removed. Once this is done pull the fascia out at the top and you will see that there are two screws at each side of the drinks unit that need removed. Then you have to remove the two screws which secure the climate control to the fascia.
