The board shall be provided with suitable office space in Concord, together with such furnishings and office equipment as shall be necessary for the administration of its business. All hearings before the board shall be open to the public, and each hearing shall be held in the county in which the declaration has been filed unless the parties agree to a hearing elsewhere. To the extent of available space, hearings shall be conducted in the respective county courthouse; otherwise, they shall be held in such place or places, accessible to the public, as the board shall direct.